Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
Portland Candidate Tracker: 2024 Election.
(Last updated on September 13, 2024)
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Liv Østhus Campaign to Receive Public Financing Boost in Portland Mayor Race
PORTLAND, September 13, 2024 — Liv Østhus, a stripper running for Portland mayor, is about to receive a significant cash boost for her campaign. While her fundraising efforts have been modest, with just over $34,000 raised since she announced her candidacy in March, she recently qualified for nearly $84,000 in public campaign financing.
Portland’s public campaign financing program, Small Donor Elections, provides a 9-to-1 match on donations of $20 or less for candidates who secure 750 such donations from individual Portlanders. Østhus may now continue to receive taxpayer funds up to $100,000. So far, four other candidates have qualified for public financing: Rene Gonzalez, Carmen Rubio, Keith Wilson, and Mingus Mapps.
As of today, Gonzalez reports contributions totaling over $276,000, while Rubio has raised over $229,000, and Wilson has amassed nearly $207,000. Mapps, who has not yet reported his $100,000 public match, has so far raised approximately $80,000.
Gonzalez, Wilson, and Rubio Debate Mental Health and Homelessness at Progreso Latino Event
PORTLAND, September 12, 2024 — At a Wednesday night debate organized by Progreso Latino, an organization advocating for Oregon’s Latinx communities, Portland mayoral candidates Rene Gonzalez, Keith Wilson, and Carmen Rubio discussed their approaches to addressing the city’s homelessness and mental health crises. While they agreed on the urgency of these issues, a sharp exchange occurred when Gonzalez criticized Wilson's focus on expanding shelter capacity as “overly shallow.”
Wilson, who promises to end unsheltered homelessness in his first year as mayor by implementing a network of nighttime emergency shelters, argued that Portland should follow the example of cities like Boise, ID, and Boston, MA, where the number of unsheltered people is just over 100. He stated that Portland’s over 5,000 unsheltered individuals represent a humanitarian crisis, straining both public safety officers and emergency room staff, and leading to longer emergency response times. “Our hospitals are now sheltering the unsheltered,” he said, referencing other cities with larger shelter capacities and fewer people living on the streets. “There’s nothing progressive about leaving people on the streets.”
Gonzalez countered by arguing that Wilson’s shelter-based strategy fails to address underlying issues such as addiction and criminal behavior. “If you put an addict or a criminal in a shelter, they’re still an addict or a criminal. They will still tax the system. Shelter alone, as important as it is, is not going to solve someone's behavioral health, medical needs, or criminal behaviors overnight. It’s a false promise, and it’s overly shallow.” He proposed a more comprehensive approach, including addiction treatment, stricter enforcement of camping and drug laws, and increasing Portland’s police force to 1,000 officers.
Wilson responded, “In Portland, we have one department handing out tents while another department is sweeping them. What kind of rational approach is that?”
Commenting on the exchange, Carmen Rubio argued that public camping bans are unlikely to be effective, saying they merely relocate unsheltered people to unsafe areas like bridges and overpasses. She called for expanded access to shelter with on-site mental health and addiction services. Referring to Wilson’s promise to end unsheltered homelessness within a year, she said, “I don’t think that quick fixes, like a one-year plan, are realistic. But I agree that it’s neither compassionate nor progressive to leave people suffering on our streets.”
For Voters, a Choice Between Track Record or Trying Something New
During closing statements, Wilson criticized his opponents’ track records, claiming they have failed to adequately address the homelessness crisis: “My opponents have had years to build coalitions and deliver results, and they haven’t,” he said. “If you like the way the city is being run, I’m not your guy. But if you want real change—vote for me.”
Gonzalez emphasized his commitment to public safety: “I have led the fight and been the standard-bearer on public safety. That means taking on hard topics and balancing compassion without enabling,” he said. “This has been a dark era for the City of Portland, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we've got to lean in on redefining what a western city looks like post-pandemic.”
Rubio, who often refers to herself as the “no drama” candidate, closed by highlighting her track record and claiming credit for initiatives such as police body-worn cameras and efforts to streamline the city permitting process and incentivize housing production. “We don’t need more drama or division. We just need real, accountable, and competent leaders—leaders who know how to work together, build coalitions, and make tough choices to get things done,” she said.
Rubio, Gonzalez, and Wilson are among nineteen candidates running for mayor. Other candidates, including City Commissioner Mingus Mapps and artist and stripper Liv Østhus, did not qualify for the debate due to not meeting the public campaign financing deadline.
Portland Mayoral Candidates Raise Concerns Over Tax Burden but Offer Few Specific Solutions at Chamber Debate
PORTLAND, September 12, 2024 — In a debate hosted by the Portland Metro Chamber this morning, mayoral candidates Carmen Rubio, Keith Wilson, and Rene Gonzalez discussed a range of issues, including the city’s growing tax burden. All three candidates raised concerns about the impact of high taxes on residents and businesses, though specific plans to address the issue were sparse.
Rene Gonzalez criticized recent tax measures, such as the Metro and Multnomah County universal pre-K taxes, suggesting they are driving high earners out of the city. "We're literally driving away other taxes the city can collect," Gonzalez stated, adding that the public’s increasingly negative attitude toward new taxes has delayed investments in essential services like parks and public safety. He added that some wealthy Portlanders keep their house in the city but simply change their residency to another jurisdiction to lower their tax burden, calling it a "perverse incentive."
Carmen Rubio echoed concerns about the tax burden, noting that many residents are leaving because they no longer see the value of staying in Portland or Multnomah County. "We don't have an attraction problem, we have a retention problem," Rubio said, pointing to her past efforts to incentivize downtown leases and expand enterprise zones.
Keith Wilson argued that Portlanders are "paying New York City taxes without getting New York City services." He added, "If you look at who's left, it’s not just the population, not just higher earners, but corporations like Target, REI, Walmart, and Starbucks." Wilson called for a review of existing taxes, including the business tax funding the Portland Clean Energy Fund and Multnomah County’s Preschool for All tax on high earners, which he argued has generated significantly more revenue than intended.
Gonzalez, Rubio and Wilson were the only mayoral candidates invited to the event. A total of nineteen candidates are running for Portland Mayor, including City Commissioner Mingus Mapps and artist and stripper Liv (Viva) Østhus.
Ben Hufford Blames 18% Fee for Stalling Housing Development, Proposes Cutting Red Tape
PORTLAND, September 12, 2024 —Ben Hufford, a Portland architect running for City Council in District 4, is putting the spotlight on what he describes as the city’s crippling housing fees and red tape. Citing his own experience, Hufford outlined a hypothetical $10 million, 50-unit housing project that would incur $1.8 million in taxes and fees—an 18% cost he says is stopping housing development in its tracks.
“We are in a massive housing shortage, and that will only be fixed if we cut the red tape,” Hufford said. “The costs and bureaucracy are stopping projects before they even begin.”
With the city well short of its goal to build 6,000 housing units annually—fewer than 500 are expected this year—Hufford is proposing to overhaul the permitting process to cut costs for developers. His focus includes affordable housing, market-rate units, and shelters to address the city's growing housing crisis.
Hufford, who has run a fairly quiet campaign until now, has recently picked up a number of consequential endorsements from business and real estate groups, such as United for Portland, Multifamily NW, and Revitalize Portland. He is also one of the candidates backed by both City Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez, who are rivals in the mayoral race.
Rubio Withdraws Endorsement of Jamie Dunphy
PORTLAND, September 11, 2024 — City Commissioner Carmen Rubio has withdrawn her endorsement of Jamie Dunphy, a candidate for District 1. Dunphy, Government Relations Director at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a board member of MusicPortland, recently made a controversial comment during a forum opposing a planned 62,000-square-foot Live Nation music venue in Portland’s Central Eastside.
At the event, when asked about possible actions if the Portland City Council rejected MusicPortland's appeal of the project, Dunphy said, “I’ll tell you that in the process of reaching out to the music community, more than one person suggested firebombs.” Shortly thereafter, Dunphy faced criticism for referencing violence, particularly firebombing—a tactic historically used by white supremacists to terrorize and suppress civil rights leaders.
Andrew Colas, CEO of Colas Development Group, one of the firms developing the Live Nation project, later wrote a letter to MusicPortland expressing his concerns about Dunphy’s remark. Colas, who is Black, described the comment as “unacceptable, fanatical, and rooted in racism,” according to The Oregonian.
In response, MusicPortland issued a public apology, acknowledging that Dunphy’s words were “culturally insensitive and unacceptable.” Dunphy also admitted to The Oregonian that his remarks were “poorly phrased.”
Rubio’s campaign confirmed to Rose City Reform that she had withdrawn her endorsement of Dunphy but did not explicitly state that the "firebombing" comment was the reason.
Carmen Rubio Apologizes to Supporters
PORTLAND, September 11, 2024 — City Commissioner Carmen Rubio apologized to supporters today after news broke that she had accumulated over 150 parking and traffic violations over the past two decades. According to The Oregonian, her driver's license has been suspended at least six times due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court.
“I know that the best things to do when you make mistakes are to take responsibility, clean up the mess, and do better going forward. And that's what I've done,” Rubio wrote. “When I paid my fines off many years ago, I closed the book on those times. But I haven't forgotten the lessons I learned.”
Willamette Week reported that Rubio’s colleague and closest rival, Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, also has a history of traffic-related offenses. Gonzalez has received approximately 20 tickets in the past, leading to two license suspensions for nonpayment of fines. While he acknowledged his mistakes to Willamette Week, Gonzalez has not yet addressed his traffic record with his supporters.
Jon Walker Proposes Minimum Service Ratio for Portland Non-Profits
PORTLAND, September 11, 2024 — District 3 candidate Jon Walker is calling for the City of Portland to adopt a Minimum Service Ratio (MSR) requirement for non-profits receiving city grants and contracts. Drawing on his experience as a policy analyst for the Oregon Health Authority, where he enforces a similar rule for Medicaid funds, Walker believes this measure would ensure that a larger portion of city funds goes directly to services rather than being lost to overhead costs.
Walker points to the recent financial struggles at the Community Cycling Center, a nonprofit focused on making cycling accessible to underserved communities. According to Walker, despite receiving over $1 million in Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) grants, the organization is facing serious financial issues due to high administrative costs. He argues this example highlights the city's need for stronger financial oversight.
“The city needs to better vet nonprofits and should be able to get back money when it is clear not enough is being spent on services versus overhead,” said Walker.
Powerful Business PAC Unveils Picks for Portland City Council
PORTLAND, September 10, 2024 — United for Portland, a political action committee (PAC) backed by business groups, real estate interests, and local civic leaders, has announced its picks for Portland City Council. Known for having one of the most rigorous endorsement processes among local PACs, the group required candidates to attend four educational events, complete a questionnaire that aligned with their priorities, and secure 250 unique donations to qualify.
In District 1, the candidates are Noah Ernst, Terrence Hayes, and Loretta Smith.
For District 2, the chosen candidates include James Armstrong, Michelle DePass, Marnie Glickman, Mariah Hudson, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, William Mespelt, Tiffani Penson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Dan Ryan, and Nat West.
District 3’s picks are Rex Burkholder, Jesse Cornett, Daniel DeMelo, and Steve Novick.
Finally, in District 4, the endorsed candidates are Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Ben Hufford, Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, Bob Weinstein, and Eric Zimmerman.
United for Portland has played a significant role in recent elections, backing multiple current members of the council, such as Mayor Ted Wheeler, Mingus Mapps, and Rene Gonzalez. All of this year’s candidates have received the organization’s “greenlight” endorsement. United for Portland is expected to unveil its top picks from the list at a later date.
Mingus Mapps: “As a Black Man, If I Had Over 150 Traffic Violations, I’d Be in Jail.”
PORTLAND, September 10, 2024 — City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Mingus Mapps criticized his opponents, Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez, following reports of their histories of traffic violations. According to The Oregonian, Rubio has accumulated over 150 parking and traffic violations in the past two decades, largely for expired meters and registration tags. Her driver's license has been suspended at least six times due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court. Willamette Week later revealed that Gonzalez has approximately 20 traffic-related offenses, resulting in his license being suspended twice for nonpayment of fines.
In an email to supporters, Mapps framed the issue as one of privilege. "Let’s be real—this isn’t just about traffic tickets. It’s about privilege. My opponents' actions show they feel that they are above the law, a luxury most Portlanders, especially those of us from marginalized communities, don’t have," Mapps wrote. He emphasized that he has not received any traffic citations, drawing a clear contrast between his record and those of Rubio and Gonzalez. "As a Black man, I don’t get to flout the rules. I live by them, and I’ll make sure our leaders do too. If I had over 150 violations in recent years, not only would I not be on the City Council today, I would be in jail."
Since the Oregonian article, at least one labor union, LiUNA Local 737, has withdrawn its endorsement of Rubio.
Eli Arnold Suggests Victim Check-In Policy for Portland Police
PORTLAND, September 10, 2024 — Portland police officer and District 4 candidate Eli Arnold has proposed a new policy for the Portland Police Bureau.
In an Instagram video, Arnold suggested that officers who respond to a call should be required to follow up with the victim during their next shift, regardless of whether it's necessary for evidentiary purposes. He referred to the policy as a "victim check-in."
"I want to do this because I've seen firsthand the important role police play in helping people move past that initial moment of victimization," Arnold said, describing officers as the "uniformed representatives of the community." He added that the follow-up, particularly emphasizing the victim's experience of being wronged, could have a therapeutic effect.
"I think it's good for victims, and I think it's a low-effort way to ensure we're looking out for people," he said.
Angelita Morillo On Accountability as an Elected Official
PORTLAND, September 10, 2024 — District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo responded to a follower's question on TikTok about how she would remain accountable to voters if elected. Morillo, whose TikTok account has over 34,000 followers, said she plans to continue using the platform to provide weekly updates on City Council discussions and voting outcomes. She also committed to hosting town halls in District 3, allowing community members to participate in decision-making and stay informed on policy developments.
Morillo stressed that accountability is a two-way street. "The reality is that being [an] elected official is going to be very different than being an advocate," she said. "Depending on the makeup of the council, I'm going to need seven out of 12 votes to pass policy, and if we don't have a lot of strong progressives on the council, then guess what? Even if you get me in and you think I'm your magic candidate, I'm not going to be able to pass the most progressive policies ever unless I somehow change a bunch of people's minds who are more conservative or closer to the right than I am."
She also emphasized the importance of voter engagement beyond election cycles, adding, "You need to be pushing City Council and helping to give us leverage… we're going to need leverage if you want us to push for progressive policies as hard as we can."
Morillo is running as one of the most progressive candidates in the race, opposing Portland’s public camping ban and the re-criminalization of small amounts of street drugs.
We’re on the Oregonian’s Beat Check Podcast!
PORTLAND, September 8, 2024 — September has been a big month for Rose City Reform. In addition to launching our own podcast, Stump Talk, I had the opportunity to join Shane Kavanaugh from The Oregonian on the Beat Check podcast to discuss one of my favorite topics: the Portland 2024 election. Take a listen!
Jamie Dunphy’s Apology Missed the Mark, Business Leader Says
PORTLAND, September 8, 2024 — Portland business leader Stephen Green has publicly criticized District 1 candidate Jamie Dunphy for comments made during a MusicPortland forum and for what Green described as Dunphy’s failure to take accountability afterward. The forum was organized to address opposition to a proposed 62,000-square-foot Live Nation music venue in Portland’s Central Eastside, which MusicPortland and its supporters argue could harm the city's independent music scene.
During the event, Dunphy, a MusicPortland board member, responded to a question about potential actions if the City Council rejected the group’s appeal. He said, “I’ll tell you that in the process of reaching out to the music community, more than one person suggested firebombs.” Dunphy later clarified in a statement to the Portland Business Journal that the remark was intended as "dark-humored truth" and that “violence is obviously not the answer.”
One of the firms developing the Live Nation project, Colas Development Group, is owned and run by Andrew Colas, who is Black.
Green, who has Black and Latinx heritage, expressed concern over both the comment and Dunphy’s response. In a LinkedIn post, Green pointed out that firebombing, historically linked to racial violence in the U.S., was an inappropriate subject for humor, especially in a public forum. "As tough as things are for our small businesses in Portland, they will never advocate for, joke about, or even allude to violence as the answer to the challenges they face," Green wrote. He also criticized Dunphy for attributing the comment to community feedback, stating, “Saying that small businesses in the community referred to firebombing… tells us you have a problem taking accountability for the words that come out of your mouth.”
Green, a prominent figure in the Portland business community, is the founder of PitchBlack, a competition supporting Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, and serves as Executive Director of the business organization Better Portland.
Voter Pamphlet Deadline Brings Endorsement Blitz
PORTLAND, September 8, 2024 — With Monday’s deadline to submit information to the Multnomah County Voter’s Pamphlet fast approaching, many interest groups are finalizing their endorsements for inclusion in the widely-read voter guide.. The chance to reshape City Hall—with all fourteen seats in the newly reformed government up for grabs—presents a unique opportunity not only for candidates but also for interest groups hoping to influence the outcome. As a result, the 2024 election has seen an influx of endorsements from organizations and political players. As of September 8, over 200 elected officials, around 30 advocacy organizations, nearly 40 labor unions, and three political parties have endorsed their favorites among the 118 candidates vying for city seats.
Endorsement strategies vary: Some organizations endorse three candidates per district for the three available seats, while others recommend six candidates per district to align with Portland voters’ six ballot rankings. Meanwhile, some groups simply endorse their preferred candidates without regard to the number of seats or rankings.
Rubio Leads in Endorsements
In the mayoral race, City Commissioner Carmen Rubio leads in endorsements, securing support from over 20 progressive elected leaders and several social justice organizations. Her backers include Governor Tina Kotek, former Governor Kate Brown, and former Portland Mayor Tom Potter, for whom Rubio previously worked. Her platform, focusing on climate action, housing expansion, community policing, and tackling poverty and homelessness, has also garnered support from the Sierra Club, the Working Families Party, and labor organizations like the Portland Association of Teachers and AFSCME Oregon.
Rene Gonzalez, whose platform emphasizes economic revitalization and stricter enforcement of public camping and drug bans, has received endorsements from the Portland Police Association, the Portland Firefighters Association, and several regional sheriffs and district attorneys. He is also supported by various trade unions and former U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader. Keith Wilson, running on a promise to end unsheltered homelessness within his first year as mayor by rolling out a network of flexible, low-cost overnight shelters, is supported by a mix of trade unions, homelessness experts, and elected officials, including the mayors of Lake Oswego and Hillsboro.
Avalos and Cornett Secure Most Endorsements from Elected Officials
As of September 8, the council candidates who have attracted the most endorsements from elected officials are Candace Avalos, an environmental and criminal justice advocate in District 1, and Jesse Cornett, a recovery advocate in District 3. Jonathan Tasini, a writer and lifelong union organizer in District 2, leads in labor endorsements, closely followed by Tony Morse, a recovery and labor advocate in District 4. Environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, favor Candace Avalos, District 2’s Nat West, and District 4’s Mitch Green.
Business endorsements, which have been slower to roll out, include backing from Revitalize Portland, a pro-business group focused on public safety and economic growth. Their endorsed candidates include former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith in District 1 and City Commissioner Dan Ryan in District 2.
According to sources, United for Portland, a business-friendly political action committee (PAC) expected to spend heavily in local races, has quietly made endorsements ahead of Monday’s deadline, though no formal announcements have been made. United for Portland includes contributions from the Portland Metro Chamber and the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC.
Additionally, the PAC Working for a Better Portland, which represents labor unions and social justice groups, is expected to release its much-anticipated endorsements soon, likely informing candidates before the Voter’s Pamphlet submission deadline. To research candidates’ endorsements, visit our impartial voter guide.
118 Candidates—and We’re Done!
PORTLAND, September 6, 2024 — After more than a year of anticipation since the first candidates announced their bids in July of last year, the filing window for city offices has officially closed. The final count includes 19 mayoral candidates, 98 council candidates, and one unopposed candidate for city auditor—incumbent Simone Rede. However, the door isn’t entirely closed: certified write-in candidates have until October 29 to file, so more names could still appear on the ballot.
Much Anticipated Business Endorsements Dropping Soon
PORTLAND, September 6, 2024 — United for Portland, a political action committee (PAC) backed by business associations, real estate interests, and civic leaders, will soon unveil its endorsements across all council districts. The organization’s training sessions, mandatory for those seeking its backing, have drawn a large crop of council hopefuls. Among those rumored to get a nod are District 4 candidates Olivia Clark, a longtime legislative director; Tony Morse, a recovery advocate and union supporter; and Eric Zimmerman, chief of staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. United for Portland's contributors include the Portland Metro Chamber and the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC.
New Grassroots Group, 12 for PDX, Announces Endorsements
PORTLAND, September 6, 2024 — A newly formed grassroots group called 12 for PDX, consisting of eighteen volunteer members tasked with vetting city candidates, announced its picks yesterday. The name is a nod to the twelve council seats up for election in November.
“This election cycle is full of major changes that will impact all Portlanders. Our 12 for PDX volunteers have done some of the heavy lifting to help voters make informed choices come November 5," said group member Edy Dorsen in a statement.
The organization’s picks are Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Noah Ernst, Terrence Hayes and Steph Routh in District 1; Michelle DePass, Mariah Hudson, Debbie Kitchin, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Tiffani Penson, Dan Ryan, and Bob Simril in District 2; Rex Burkholder, Jesse Cornett, Philippe Knab, and Steve Novick in District 3; and Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Stanley Penkin, John Toran, Bob Weinstein, and Eric Zimmerman in District 4.
Chad Lykins Refunds Donations After Questions Arise About Campaign Finance Laws
PORTLAND, September 5, 2024 — District 4 candidate Chad Lykins has refunded $145 in contributions following a report by Willamette Week journalist Sophie Peel. The report highlighted discussions among several city council candidates, including Lykins, Michael DiNapoli, Michael Trimble (District 4), and Sam Sachs (District 2), about exchanging $5 donations to help one another meet the 250-donor threshold required for public matching funds.
Although several candidates participated, Lykins was the only one who ultimately qualified for matching funds. Under campaign finance laws, donations exchanged solely to receive a reciprocal contribution are ineligible for public matching. Attorneys interviewed for the report also suggested that other campaign finance violations might be involved.
Lykins responded to the story on Twitter, thanking Peel for her reporting and stating, "Out of an abundance of caution, we’re refunding all $145 from the 15 donations we received." According to Peel, Lykins also sought guidance from the Secretary of State’s office to determine whether the contributions violated campaign finance laws. An official opinion is still pending.
Terrence Hayes Qualifies for Public Campaign Financing
PORTLAND, September 5, 2024 — Terrence Hayes, running for a seat in District 1 (East Portland) is the latest council candidate to qualify for public campaign financing. Hayes will receive $40,000 in taxpayer funds.
Portland’s public campaign financing program matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $20 contribution from a resident can generate $200 for the candidate ($20 original donation plus $180 in matching funds). To qualify, candidates needed to collect and certify 250 individual contributions from Portlanders by August 27. Qualified candidates can continue to collect matching funds up to $120,000, providing a significant advantage over those who don’t meet the deadline.
Thirty-seven candidates have qualified for the program, with more likely to be announced in the coming days as the program, facing a historic number of participants, processes applications.
Former Alberta Main Street President Accused of Embezzlement Files for Office, Then Withdraws
PORTLAND, September 4, 2024 — In a strange turn of events, Devon Horace, accused of embezzling approximately $100,000 from the nonprofit Alberta Main Street, appeared on the city’s list of council candidates today. His name disappeared only hours later. According to the City Elections Office, he has withdrawn his candidacy.
Horace led Alberta Main Street, which supports the Alberta business district, from July 2021 to January 2023. According to Multnomah County Court records, he faces charges of four counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, five counts of Theft in the First Degree, and seven counts of Falsifying Business Records. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In a notable twist, James Armstrong, a forensic accountant and Alberta Street business owner who helped uncover the financial discrepancies at Alberta Main Street, is also running in District 2. Armstrong and his wife operate Alberta Eye Care, Cathedral Eye Care, and Eyestrong Pediatric Eye Care. He has qualified for $40,000 in public campaign financing and is endorsed by City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio.
Armstrong declined to comment on Horace’s shortlived candidacy.
Labor PAC, ‘Working for a Better Portland,’ Gets Ready to Support Candidates
PORTLAND, September 4, 2024 — Working for a Better Portland, a political action committee (PAC) representing labor unions and allied groups, has officially launched its campaign to back pro-worker candidates in Portland’s upcoming city election. The PAC, highly anticipated for its role in shaping the election landscape, is planning to support candidates across the city’s four new council districts.
Given the labor organizations’ broad reach and substantial fundraising potential, Working for a Better Portland is expected to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing voter choices.
“We hope to highlight candidates whose values and effectiveness will best serve our beautiful but challenged city,” said Laurie Wimmer, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the NW Oregon Labor Council and the convener of the PAC. “With the introduction of ranked-choice voting, we aim to help voters not only select the right candidates but also understand how to cast their ballots correctly.”
Working for a Better Portland includes both public and private sector unions, as well as social justice organizations.
113 Candidates and Counting
PORTLAND, September 4, 2024 — The list of candidates for the city ballot continued to grow as city staff processed more applications yesterday. So far, 18 candidates have filed for mayor, while 95 are running for a council seat. Districts 3 and 4 have the highest numbers, with 29 candidates each.
Yesterday, a few expected names were confirmed, including environmental activist Ahlam Osman and Harrison Kass, policy advisor to City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, both in District 3. Several new names, not previously associated with a campaign, were also added to the ballot—something common in elections. However, this will be the first time Portlanders see such candidates on the general election ballot, as in the past, a primary election either determined the winner or sent two candidates to a runoff.
Revitalize Portland Endorses 14 Candidates
PORTLAND, September 4, 2024 — The Revitalize Portland Coalition, a business-friendly group focused on public safety and economic vitality, has announced its endorsements for Portland City Council. In District 1, the organization supports Terrence Hayes and Loretta Smith. In District 2, its picks are Mariah Hudson, Tiffani Penson, and Dan Ryan. In District 3, the coalition backs Daniel DeMelo and Steve Novick.
In District 4, the coalition's top picks are Ben Hufford, Stan Penkin, and Eric Zimmerman, while it also backs Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Tony Morse, and Bob Weinstein.
More business endorsements are expected soon, as United for Portland, a political action committee (PAC) representing business associations, real estate interests, and civic leaders, prepares to release its endorsements. This PAC includes contributors such as the Portland Metro Chamber and the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC.
Liv (Viva) Osthus Becomes Fifth Mayoral Candidate to Qualify for Public Match
PORTLAND, September 3, 2024 — Liv Osthus, an artist and dancer at the strip club Mary’s, is the fifth and final mayoral candidate to qualify for public campaign financing. Osthus, whose stage name is Viva Las Vegas, will now receive a 9-to-1 match on donation of $20 or less, up to $100,000. Other candidates who have qualified for public financing are Rene Gonzalez, Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio, and Keith Wilson.
Tiffany Koyama Lane First Council Candidate to Max Out on Public Campaign Financing
PORTLAND, September 3, 2024 — Tiffany Koyama Lane, a public school teacher and union organizer running in District 3, is the first council candidate to reach the final tier of the city’s public campaign financing program. This program matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, effectively turning a $20 contribution into $200 for the candidate. Koyama Lane’s rapid success in the program, which program director Susan Mottet noted as record-breaking at a recent meeting, has allowed her to secure the maximum $120,000 in public funds for her campaign.
Koyama Lane’s platform emphasizes affordability, workers' rights, housing, and addiction and behavioral health services. She advocates for stronger eviction defense resources and has pledged to fully fund Portland Street Response, the city’s unarmed first responders for mental health crises. Her platform has earned endorsements from the Working Families Party, several labor organizations, and numerous progressive elected leaders. To date, Koyama Lane has raised approximately $145,000, making her the top fundraiser among all council candidates. This total includes two rounds of public financing and will soon increase as she collects her third and final payout.
So far, more than 30 council candidates and four mayoral candidates—Rene Gonzalez, Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio, and Keith Wilson—have qualified for the program, with many more under review by the city.
Annual Labor Picnic Attracts City Candidates
PORTLAND, September 3, 2024 — City candidates gathered at the Northwest Labor Council’s annual labor picnic at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds to show their support for labor and workers' rights. The event followed a week-long grocery workers' strike at Fred Meyer stores and comes just days before a labor coalition is expected to announce its endorsements for labor-friendly candidates in city races. Fun fact: Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday, back in 1887.
Friends of Portland Street Response Unveil Endorsements
PORTLAND, September 3, 2024 — The grassroots organization Friends of Portland Street Response has announced its endorsements for city council candidates. The organization advocates for a 24/7 version of Portland Street Response (PSR)—a city program that deploys unarmed first responders to address mental health crises—and its establishment as a co-equal branch of the city's emergency response network.
Several, but not all, of the endorsed candidates have signed the "Save Portland Street Response" pledge, committing to these initiatives. You can find the list of signatories here.
In District 1 (East Portland), the endorsed candidates are Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh. In District 2 (North & Northeast), the organization supports Nat West, Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, Michelle DePass, Sameer Kanal, and Elana Pirtle-Guiney, though not all have signed the pledge. Angelita Morillo and Tiffany Koyama Lane have been endorsed in District 3 (Southeast Portland), while Lisa Freeman, Chad Lykins, and Mitch Green are the endorsed candidates in District 4 (West Portland and Sellwood area).
Eli Arnold Wants to Sleep in a Homeless Shelter
PORTLAND, September 2, 2024 — Portland police officer Eli Arnold, who is vying for a seat in District 4, posted a video on Instagram where he said he would like an invitation from a homeless shelter to spend the night.
“We had a saying in the army, ‘I wouldn’t ask you to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself,’” said Arnold, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. “I don’t think you can have too much first-hand experience. If there’s a way, without displacing somebody and without using a needed bed, I would love to have the experience of actually checking in, entering the shelter and staying overnight,” he said.
Arnold, campaigning on a platform to end street camping, said his comments came in response to another city council candidate’s recent video claiming that shelters are often unsafe for those living on the street. While Arnold did not mention the other candidate by name, such a video was recently released by District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo, an anti-hunger advocate, who said some shelters are poorly run, but that houseless clients fear reporting violations due to fear of repercussions from staff.
Morillo, who opposes Portland’s current public cmaping ban, added that most houseless people do not feel safe reporting to any authority about what is going on inside shelter systems because they are afraid of losing what little support is being offered there. She also expressed concerns about the plan to arrest those repeatedly refusing shelter, citing a number of deaths reported in recent years, which she attributed to inmates not receiving adequate medical care.
Secretary of State Announces Ballot Order
PORTLAND, August 31, 2024 — The Oregon Secretary of State has announced the random order of letters that will determine the placement of candidates' names on the November 5 ballot. This process is designed to avoid giving candidates an advantage based on the alphabetical order of their last name.
The random order of letters for the 2024 ballot is as follows:
K | Y | W | V | B | O | G | E | N | A | I | J | P
M | X | L | T | C | F | S | U | H | Q | R | Z | D
Who’s on the Ballot? It’s a Cliffhanger…
PORTLAND, August 31, 2024 — While many candidates have qualified for the ballot after the filing window closed on August 27, the City was still adding names yesterday. A complete list is expected on September 5. Some much-anticipated names in District 2 were added at the 11th hour, including cidermaker Nat West and Portland Public Schools Board Member Michelle DePass. However, Sameer Kanal, who was expected to appear on the ballot, has not yet been added as a qualified candidate. The reason for the delay is unclear, but city officials are working under a heavier-than-usual workload given the unprecedented number of candidates.
Daniel DeMelo’s Home Vandalized
PORTLAND, August 31, 2024 — District 3 City Council candidate Daniel DeMelo’s home was vandalized on Friday, with several offensive messages spray-painted on the exterior. DeMelo believes the vandalism may be linked to the support he has received from Portland’s police officers, firefighters, and City Commissioner and mayoral hopeful Rene Gonzalez.
“I have faced arrest, felt the sting of tear gas, and endured the blows of batons while advocating for what is right. I have worked with Portland’s leading civil rights attorneys to hold police accountable in court. I have successfully fought to maintain community oversight over our $400 million-plus homelessness response system and $4 billion-plus county budget. And I will continue to fight for every Portlander with every fiber of my being, no matter the obstacles placed in our path,” DeMelo wrote in a statement.
SEIU Local 49 Endorses Candidates in Portland City Council Races
PORTLAND, August 30, 2024 — SEIU Local 49, the local branch of Oregon’s largest public employee union, has announced its endorsements for the upcoming November City Council races. The endorsed candidates span a spectrum of political views, from moderate Democrats like Mariah Hudson and Tiffani Penson in District 2 to progressive candidates such as Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3. Their platforms also differ significantly: Olivia Clark and Tony Morse in District 4 have received endorsements from the Portland Police Association, while candidates like Candace Avalos and Jamie Dunphy in District 1 have signed the "No Police Money" pledge, rejecting endorsements and contributions from law enforcement.
All of the chosen candidates have strong union backing, with District 2 candidate Jonathan Tasini, a lifelong union organizer, showing the highest levels of labor support. He is closely trailed by recovery advocate Tony Morse in District 4. SEIU’s organizational resources, including door-knocking, phone banking, and social media campaigns, are expected to play a key role in crowded council races.
Mayor: Carmen Rubio
District 1: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Steph Routh
District 2: Mariah Hudson, Tiffani Penson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West
District 3: Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Steve Novick
District 4: Olivia Clark, Chad Lykins, Tony Morse
Jonathan Tasini (D1) has the most labor endorsements of any council candidate
Nancy Congdon Suspends Mayoral Campaign
PORTLAND, August 30, 2024 — Nancy Congdon, the founder of the financial planning firm Blue Water Wealth, has suspended her brief campaign for Portland mayor. Congdon had applied for public campaign financing but failed to meet Tuesday’s deadline to collect 250 certified contributions from Portlanders, a requirement for receiving taxpayer funds.
First Business Endorsements Start Rolling In
PORTLAND, August 30, 2024 — The first business endorsements for the Portland City Council election have begun to roll in. The Revitalize Portland Coalition, a business-friendly group focused on public safety and economic vitality, has announced its endorsements for District 4. According to sources close to the organization, the candidates receiving their support include Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, Olivia Clark, Bob Weinstein, Eli Arnold, Eric Zimmerman, and Ben Hufford.
Additionally, United for Portland, a political action committee (PAC) composed of business associations, real estate interests, and civic leaders, is expected to announce its much-anticipated endorsements soon. This PAC includes contributors like the Portland Metro Chamber, the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors PAC, and other key figures in the business and real estate sectors.
Mapps Qualifies for Public Financing
PORTLAND, August 29, 2024 — After a tense few days, City Commissioner Mingus Mapps received confirmation from Portland’s Small Donor Elections Office, which oversees the city’s public campaign financing program, that he has qualified for a $100,000 payout of public funds. Mapps is currently trailing behind frontrunners and fellow council members Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, as well as trucking executive Keith Wilson, who is positioning himself as an alternative to the incumbents. Tuesday was the final day to qualify for the program.
McKenzie Suspends Campaign
PORTLAND, August 29, 2024 — District 1 candidate Sonja McKenzie has suspended her campaign for Portland City Council due to personal reasons.
“District 1 is so fortunate to have an amazing list of candidates for Portland City Council,” McKenzie wrote on Instagram. “It has been an honor to take part in this journey with them. They are all incredibly experienced, talented advocates with a desire to create a better form of city government. I am proud to call them friends and look forward to supporting them as our future city councilors.”
McKenzie is a Community Engagement Coordinator at the Oregon Community Foundation and currently serves as a member of the Parkrose School Board.
Candidates on the Picket Line
PORTLAND, August 29, 2024 — Many candidates took to the streets and to social media to communicate their support of a week-long strike at 28 Fred Meyer stores in the Portland area. The strike is organized by the union UFCW Local 555, which accuses Fred Meyer of wage discrepancies between stores and unfair labor practices including withholding essential information during negotiations.
“Standing with these strikers isn’t just a campaign position, it’s personal,” mayoral candidate Keith Wilson wrote on Instagram.
“The UFCW 555 gave me my first chance to earn good money with a good job, and I’ve experienced the higher wages, benefits, and protections provided by union representation firsthand. I’m grateful for their endorsement for my candidacy, and proud to stand by them in this dispute,” said Wilson, who is endorsed by the union.
Mad Dash for Public Financing As Deadline Looms
PORTLAND, August 28, 2024 — Yesterday marked the final day for candidates to qualify for Portland’s public campaign financing program, which matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, turning a $20 contribution into $200 for the candidate. To qualify, mayoral candidates need 750 contributions and can raise up to $100,000, while council candidates need 250 contributions and can raise up to $120,000. Failing to meet the deadline means losing out on these funds entirely.
So far, 35 council candidates and three mayoral candidates—Rene Gonzalez, Carmen Rubio, and Keith Wilson—have qualified. Mingus Mapps and Liv Osthus are still under review, while other mayoral candidates failed to meet the deadline.
Similarly, fifteen City Council candidates are still under review. During a Tuesday evening meeting, Susan Mottet, director of the Portland Elections Commission, which oversees the public campaign financing program, reported that some candidates hadn't qualified because their applications were still being processed, while others were waiting for ActBlue, an online fundraising platform, to update results.
Mottet highlighted record-breaking fundraising progress by Steph Routh in District 1 and Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3, with Nat West in District 2 and Chad Lykins in District 4 also standing out for their success in unlocking matching funds.
Filing Window Closes, Over A Hundred Candidates Qualified For Ballot
PORTLAND, August 28, 2024 — Today marked the closing of the filing window for candidates wishing to appear on Portland’s 2024 general election ballot. With some names still trickling in, a total of 84 candidates have filed to run for City Council, while 16 have entered the mayoral race. Portland's City Auditor, Simone Rede, is running unopposed.
District 4, encompassing West Portland and some inner Southeast neighborhoods, has the highest number of candidates with 29, followed by District 3 (Southeast and central neighborhoods) with 23. District 2 (North and Northeast neighborhoods) currently has 17, while District 1 (East Portland) has the smallest candidate pool with 15.
The list of contenders includes many familiar names, such as former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith, current City Commissioner Dan Ryan, and former City Commissioner Steve Novick. The list also features a growing number of new names as candidates who are not running active campaigns but still wish to appear on the ballot.
Still missing from the list of qualified candidates are some expected names, like PPS Board Member Michelle DePass and cidermaker Nat West, both anticipated to appear on the ballot.
HOME PAC Shares Picks for Portland’s 2024 Elections
PORTLAND, August 27, 2024 — HOME PAC, a political action committee focused on housing affordability and homelessness, has announced its endorsements for the 2024 Portland City Council and Mayoral races. The group, formed by nonprofit leaders and advocates in the affordable housing community, aims to support candidates they believe will effectively address the city’s ongoing housing crisis.
The endorsements include candidates ranging from moderate Democrats, such as Bob Weinstein, to more progressive figures like Mitch Green, a socialist advocating for social housing—a model that emphasizes public or community ownership to ensure long-term affordability. The organization’s pick for mayor is City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who has made housing a cornerstone of her candidacy.
The endorsed candidates are as follows:
Mayor: Carmen Rubio
District 1: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Timur Ender, Steph Routh
District 2: Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, Tiffani Penson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Nat West
District 3: Jesse Cornett, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Steve Novick
District 4: Olivia Clark, Mitch Green, Chad Lykins, Tony Morse, Bob Weinstein
Notably, the list does not include City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who is running in District 2 to retain a seat on the council. Both Rubio and Ryan have managed the Housing Bureau—Rubio most recently—but only Rubio received an endorsement from HOME PAC.
At District 1 Candidate Forum, Candidates Debate Policing and Public Safety in East Portland
PORTLAND, August 26, 2024 — City commissioner and mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez joined seven District 1 candidates this weekend at a forum hosted by Future Portland, a grassroots organization focused on livability and public safety. The discussion focused on curbing gun violence and property crime in the area, as well as how to address the presence of tents, tarps, and drug paraphernalia on city streets.
"Families don't feel safe sending their kids to the park because they're afraid they're going to step on needles," said Jamie Dunphy, one of the seven seeking to represent District 1, which comprises neighborhoods east of 82nd Avenue.
Gonzalez and most of the council candidates called for increasing the police presence in East Portland. Five council candidates also expressed support for Portland’s current public camping ban, ushered in earlier this year by Gonzalez and his colleagues. Steph Routh and Jamie Dunphy did not indicate support for the ban, reflecting their preference for alternatives to policing when connecting people on the streets to shelter and services.
Former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith, who recently entered the District 1 race, discussed her previous efforts to address homelessness, including a push to repurpose the Wapato facility—a never-used jail in North Portland—into a homeless shelter. "Had the facility been repurposed in 2017 or 2018," Smith said, "it could have provided shelter for many of the 3,500 people who were unsheltered at the time, offering a safe, affordable, and clean space for those in need."
Smith, whose voice was scratchy from cheering at the Democratic National Convention where she was an Oregon delegate, also noted that only three candidates at the forum—herself, Terrence Hayes, and Rene Gonzalez—had received endorsements from the Portland Police Association (PPA).
Do East Portlanders Want More Police?
Terrence Hayes, one of the PPA endorsees, called for adding up to 500 new police officers. Hayes, a former gang member who now advises Portland police on gun violence prevention, said recent years have seen an "attack on police” in Portland and argued that the entire force should not be judged by the wrongful actions of a few.
"If you don't believe that this community wants police officers, and that we want our streets and our public rights-of-way back, then maybe you shouldn't serve this community," he offered. His stance was echoed by Loretta Smith and Noah Ernst, as well as Deian Salazar, who called East Portland the “least policed area of Portland”.
In contrast, candidates like Steph Routh, Jamie Dunphy, and Cayle Tern focused on addressing the root causes of homelessness, such as housing shortages and lack of services. Dunphy, an former staffer to Senator Jeff Merkley and the late City Commissioner Nick Fish, stated, "We need to focus intensely on the humanitarian crisis happening on our streets, delivering services for housing, healthcare, and mental health and addiction."
Dunphy also highlighted the importance of revitalizing public spaces to enhance safety. "The city can actively clean up trash, remove needles, repair storefront windows, and activate public spaces to encourage positive behavior."
Absent from the forum were two of the frontrunners in District 1, environmental advocate Candace Avalos and transportation planner Timur Ender, both of whom are ideologically aligned with Routh and Dunphy. Steph Routh, a sustainability and transit advocate, currently leads fundraising in the district.
Loretta Smith Makes Fundraising Strides Despite Late Start
PORTLAND, August 23, 2024 — Former Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith, who is running for a seat in District 1, has made notable fundraising progress despite entering the race months later than many of her competitors. Smith, who joined the race in July of this year, has raised over $28,000 and appears on track to unlock $40,000 in matching public funds. While this places her among the top five fundraisers in District 1, several candidates have already pulled ahead in the race. Frontrunner Steph Routh—who announced her candidacy almost a year earlier—has raised over $139,000, including $80,000 in public financing. Other candidates, such as Timur Ender and Candace Avalos, have also made significant fundraising advances. Avalos and Smith previously competed in the 2020 council race, which was won by City Commissioner Carmen Rubio. Rubio, now running for mayor, has endorsed Routh, Ender, and Avalos, but not Smith.
“The Haves, the Can Nots, and the Will Nots: Armstrong’s Take on Portland’s Homelessness Crisis
PORTLAND, August 23, 2024 — James Armstrong, a small business owner running for a seat in District 2, recently outlined his approach to addressing the city’s homelessness crisis in an email to supporters. Armstrong introduced terms he coined to categorize the homeless population into three groups: "The Have Nots," "The Can Nots," and "The Will Nots."
According to Armstrong, "The Have Nots" are individuals struggling financially who need help meeting basic needs. "The Can Nots" face significant challenges, such as addiction or untreated mental health issues, that prevent them from caring for themselves. "The Will Nots" are people who, despite having access to other options, choose not to engage with available services and prefer to live outside societal norms.
“We need to be united in telling those that Will Not adhere to our basic community standards that if they are unwilling to utilize the services offered, they cannot continue this behavior in our city,” Armstrong wrote.
Armstrong’s platform includes repurposing the Portland Expo Center into a comprehensive service hub for people experiencing homelessness. Drawing inspiration from San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, he suggests that the Expo Center could house a range of services—including shelter, healthcare, and addiction recovery—all in one location. He believes this approach could significantly reduce homelessness in Portland while easing the burden on neighborhoods and businesses.
Morillo “Disappointed” in Sheriff’s Decision to Book Those Refusing Shelter
PORTLAND, August 23, 2024 — District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo, who faced homelessness as a college student, released a social media video expressing disappointment in Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell’s decision to start booking individuals charged with violating Portland’s anti-camping policy. Morrisey O’Donnell had previously declined to do so, stating that jails should be used as “a place for people who pose a genuine danger to the public, and that does not include individuals whose only offense is living unsheltered.”
“I am really disappointed to see that Sheriff O'Donnell went back on this statement,” said Morillo, who had praised the sheriff’s original decision.
“I thought it was a very powerful statement. As someone who has been formerly houseless, I thought it was exactly what was needed in the moment,” she added, speculating that business interests may have influenced the change.
“I don't know if some business interests got involved and intimidated her behind the scenes, but you don't stick your neck out like that and then rescind your word suddenly—unless something happened behind the scenes. I think there's more to the story, but I think this is the wrong move, and I am really disappointed to see that.”
Morillo further elaborated on the concept of “service resistance,” a term commonly used to describe people who decline the offer of shelter. She noted that some shelters are poorly run, but individuals fear reporting potential violations due to possible repercussions from staff.
“Unfortunately, most houseless people do not feel safe reporting to any authority about what is going on inside shelter systems because they are afraid of losing what little support is being offered there,” she said, adding that jails are also unsafe places due to the number of deaths reported in recent years, something she attributed to inmates not receiving adequate medical care.
“So when we are telling houseless people that their two options are to go to a shelter bed, which is usually nonexistent or very hard to get into—or to go to jail, where we have these mysterious deaths that we haven't figured out why they're happening, we are telling houseless people that they are going to have to go to jail and possibly be harmed or even be killed for the crime of being poor. That is unacceptable in one of the wealthiest countries in the entire world,” Morillo concluded.
Ben Hufford Qualifies for Public Campaign Financing
PORTLAND, August 22, 2024 — District 4 candidate Ben Hufford has qualified for public campaign financing, just ahead of next Tuesday's deadline. Hufford will receive $40,000 in matching public funds.
Portland’s public campaign financing program matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $20 contribution from a resident can generate $200 for the candidate ($20 original donation plus $180 in matching funds). To qualify, candidates must collect and certify 250 individual contributions from Portlanders by August 27. Qualified candidates can continue to collect matching funds up to $120,000, providing a significant advantage over those who don’t meet the deadline.
Other candidates who have qualified for the program include:
District 1: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Timur Ender, Steph Routh
District 2: James Armstrong, Marnie Glickman, Mariah Hudson, Debbie Kitchin, Mike Marshall, Tiffani Penson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Dan Ryan, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West, Nabil Zaghloul
District 3: Jesse Cornett, Daniel DeMelo, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Steve Novick
District 4: Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Chad Lykins, Mitch Green, Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, Bob Weinstein
Mayoral Candidate Keith Wilson at the Democratic Convention
PORTLAND, August 22, 2024 — Keith Wilson, a sustainable trucking company executive and mayoral candidate, is representing Oregon at the Democratic Convention in Chicago. Wilson, a standing committee member of the Oregon Democratic Party, has been sharing updates on social media about his experience.
Also attending the convention are District 1 candidate Loretta Smith, who chairs the Democratic Party of Oregon’s Black Caucus, and at-large delegate Moses Ross, a political consultant running for a seat in District 4.
District 1 Race Heats Up as Hayes Accuses Opponents of Being Out of Touch
PORTLAND, August 21, 2024 — While Portland’s new voting method, ranked choice voting, has generally led to a more positive atmosphere among council candidates, the District 1 race is showing signs of intensifying pressure. In a recent campaign email, candidate Terrence Hayes commented on a forum where he felt his opponents’ focus on expanding urban tree canopies was met with skepticism by residents.
Hayes, running against frontrunners Steph Routh, Timur Ender, and Candace Avalos—candidates with strong backgrounds in sustainability, city planning, and environmental activism—described how the audience reacted when the topic of tree canopies was raised. “They were nearly laughed out of the room,” Hayes wrote. He suggested that this response indicated a disconnect between the candidates and the concerns of the community.
“The problem with these candidates is that they are treating our district like it’s the Inner Eastside and we’re in such a great place that we can focus on the top of the pyramid, and it’s incredibly detached from the needs of the community,” continued Hayes. “Of course, we need more trees in East Portland, but until we can feel safe walking down our streets, they are not currently very useful.”
Despite being outraised by his opponents, who have received endorsements from labor unions, progressive leaders, and environmental organizations, Hayes has recently gained momentum with endorsements from the Portland Police Union and City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez.
Kitchin and DeMelo Qualify for Public Campaign Financing
PORTLAND, August 21, 2024 — In the race to qualify for public campaign financing—before the deadline next Tuesday—District 2 candidate Debbie Kitchin and District 3 candidate Daniel DeMelo have just made the cut. The program matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $20 contribution from a resident can result in a total of $200 for the candidate ($20 original donation plus $180 in matching funds). To qualify, candidates must collect and certify 250 individual contributions from Portlanders by August 27.
While the city’s Small Donor Elections Office did not specify the public match received by Kitchin and DeMelo, they can now continue to collect matching contributions up to $120,000. Other candidates who have qualified for the program include:
District 1: Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh
District 2: James Armstrong, Marnie Glickman, Mariah Hudson, Mike Marshall, Tiffani Penson, Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Dan Ryan, Jonathan Tasini, Nat West, and Nabil Zaghloul
District 3: Jesse Cornett, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, and Steve Novick
District 4: Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Chad Lykins, Mitch Green, Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, Moses Ross, Sarah Silkie, and Bob Weinstein
Rubio and Gonzalez Endorse Newcomers
PORTLAND, August 21, 2024 — City Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez, both running for mayor, have endorsed fresh faces in the city council race. Rubio yesterday indicated her support for Chloe Mason, a model and social media organizer, who announced her candidacy in District 4 last week.
Earlier this month, Gonzalez urged his supporters via email to contribute to his policy advisor, Harrison Kass, who recently entered the race for District 3 and is aiming to qualify for public campaign financing before the deadline next week.
Whose Mayoral Poll Should We Believe?
PORTLAND, August 20, 2024 — A poll commissioned by the Rene Gonzalez campaign shows 21% of voters named the Portland city commissioner as their first choice for mayor, with nearly 40% remaining undecided. Conducted by Lake Research Partners, the poll also found Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Mingus Mapps each at 13%, businessman Keith Wilson at 4%, and arts advocate Liv Osthus at 3%. According to the Gonzalez campaign, these results suggest he could win if he can sway undecided voters. The poll surveyed 500 voters, with a margin of error of ±4.4%.
On the other hand, a poll conducted by Keith Wilson's campaign revealed that 50.5% of voters were undecided or uncommitted, with no candidate initially exceeding low-teens support. However, after voters were informed about the candidates, Wilson emerged as the frontrunner with 25% support, followed by Gonzalez at 19%, Rubio at 15%, and Mapps at 8%. Wilson's campaign suggested that the findings show his appeal across ideological lines, positioning him as the top choice for left-leaning voters and the second choice for right-leaning voters. This poll, indicating widespread voter dissatisfaction with current city leadership, surveyed 459 voters with a margin of error of ±4.57%.
Candidates Explain Ranked Choice Voting to Portland Voters
PORTLAND, August 19, 2024 — As Portland's city council elections approach, candidates are offering explanations of how Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) works. Mitch Green, a candidate in District 1, provided a straightforward explanation on Instagram, stating that voters can rank up to six candidates per district, with three ultimately winning seats, resulting in a 12-member city council. Green added that the system would increase the likelihood that voters' preferences will influence the outcome and promote broader representation.
Other candidates have used creative analogies to illustrate RCV. Maria Hudson of District 2 shared a video outlining how she and her children used a version of RCV to order a pizza, comparing their first, second, and third choices. The result? A half-and-half BBQ chicken and veggie pie. Steph Routh from District 1 likened RCV to choosing shoes in a store, where a customer might be offered alternative colors if their first choice is unavailable.
Portland: Neighbors Welcome Endorses Housing-Focused Candidates
PORTLAND, August 19, 2024 — ).Portland: Neighbors Welcome, a grassroots organization advocating for pro-housing and pro-tenant reforms across Oregon, has announced its endorsements for Portland's mayoral and city council races. The candidates backed by the group all support the Inner Eastside for All plan, which aims to legalize the construction of street-scale apartment buildings on residential lots within the area bounded by 12th to 60th Avenues and Fremont to Powell Streets. The plan also calls for an inclusionary housing program to ensure the inclusion of subsidized units in new mixed-income buildings and backs state-level building code reforms to facilitate the construction of family-sized condos and apartments.
The organization has endorsed Carmen Rubio for Portland Mayor. In District 1, it supports Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh. District 2 sees the most endorsements with Michelle DePass, Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, Sameer Kanal, and Nat West receiving the group's backing. In District 3, Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo were selected. In District 4, Neighbors Welcome has endorsed Lisa Freeman, Mitch Green, and Chad Lykins.
The organization also gave a “green light” to the following candidates: Keith Wilson (candidate for mayor), Jamie Dunphy (District 1), Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Jonathan Tasini (District 2) Rex Burkholder, Chris Flanary and Luke Zak (District 3), and Olivia Clark (District 4)/
Marshall Runkel Withdraws From Mayor’s Race
PORTLAND, August 18, 2024 — Marshall Runkel, a former chief of staff to Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, has withdrawn from the Portland mayoral race. His campaign, which focused on environmental issues and local government strategy, concluded due to unspecified personal reasons. Runkel’s exit narrows the field of mayoral candidates to fourteen.
Chloe Mason is Running for Council in District 4
PORTLAND, August 18, 2024 — Sports and fitness model Chloe Mason is running for a seat in Portland's District 4. Mason, who has over 47,000 followers on Instagram, serves on committees for the Portland Art Museum and the private social club Soho House. She is also a member of the Portland Police Bureau's Equity Advisory Council and previously served on the board of directors of Raphael House, a nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Mason’s campaign priorities include supporting small businesses, ending unsanctioned street camping by providing shelters and recovery housing, and addressing the fentanyl crisis on city streets. She joins four women and one nonbinary candidate in the heavily male-dominated District 4 race, which has attracted 25 candidates so far. You can watch her launch video on Instagram here.
Gonzalez, Rubio, and Wilson Surpass $200,000 Fundraising Milestone
PORTLAND, August 18, 2024 — City Commissioners Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, along with trucking company owner Keith Wilson, have each exceeded the $200,000 fundraising mark in the Portland mayoral race after qualifying for $100,000 in public campaign financing.
Gonzalez, benefiting from significant carryover funds from his 2022 election, leads with $273,660. Rubio follows with $211,700, and Wilson has reached $200,900. In contrast, Commissioner Mingus Mapps has struggled to gain fundraising momentum. He recently urged supporters via email to contribute, aiming to qualify for a debate hosted by the Progresso Latino PAC. The debate required participants to be certified for public campaign financing by August 15, a deadline Mapps did not meet. However, his campaign assured supporters that he has garnered enough donors to qualify by the final certification deadline of August 27, which could secure him up to $100,000 in public funds.
Koyama Lane Leads Council-Race Fundraising, But Others Are Closing In
PORTLAND, August 18, 2024 — Tiffany Koyama Lane currently leads fundraising among City Council candidates with $138,500, including $80,000 from public campaign financing. Close behind her is Steph Routh (District 1) with $137,300, followed by fellow District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo with $131,700. Both Routh and Morillo have also received $80,000 in matching public funds. Other candidates showing significant fundraising momentum include City Commissioner Dan Ryan in District 2, Olivia Clark in District 4, and Steve Novick in District 3, each of whom has received $40,000 in public campaign financing so far.
James Armstrong Qualifies for Public Campaign Financing
PORTLAND, August 17, 2024 — James Armstrong, a candidate in District 2, is the latest to be certified for Portland’s Small Donor Elections Program. The program matches small donations up to $20 at a 9-to-1 ratio, meaning a $20 contribution from a resident can result in a total of $200 for the candidate ($20 original donation plus $180 in matching funds). To qualify, candidates must collect and certify 250 individual contributions from Portlanders by August 27.
“It may have taken us a bit longer than others, but I am so proud to have reached this milestone and hopefully start seeing my ideas for the city elevated into the mainstream discussions,” said Armstrong, a forensic accountant who also co-founded Alberta Eye Care, Cathedral Eye Care, and Eyestrong Pediatric Eye Care in Northeast Portland.
Olivia Clark Reaches Second Tier of Public Financing
PORTLAND, August 17, 2024 — Olivia Clark, a candidate in District 4, has become the first in her district to reach 750 unique Portland donors, unlocking the second tier of matching funds through Portland’s Small Donor Elections program. This milestone earns her up to $40,000 in additional funding, building on the $40,000 she received from the first tier.
To date, Clark has raised $118,005, which includes the initial $40,000 from the first tier of matching funds.
“Our campaign's rapid progress and the overwhelming support we've received show that the residents of District 4 are ready for change,” said Clark whose background includes leadership roles at TriMet and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, as well as serving as a top staffer to Governor John Kitzhaber and three Salem mayors. She is also the founder of CASA, a non-profit focused on building farm worker housing.
Only three other candidates have reached the second tier of public campaign financing: Steph Routh in District 1, and Angelita Morillo and Tiffany Koyama Lane in District 2.
Mitch Green Advocates for Labor Protections in Keller Auditorium Project
PORTLAND, August 16, 2024 — District 4 candidate Mitch Green urged the Portland City Council to include strong labor protections in the proposed renovation or replacement of the Keller Auditorium. Green submitted testimony ahead of the council’s vote on August 14 to collaborate with Portland State University and the Halprin Landscape Conservancy to explore the project.
In his testimony, Green expressed the concerns of labor unions, including PSU-AAUP (Portland State University’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors), SEIU 503 (Service Employees International Union, representing public sector employees), and IATSE Local 28 (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, representing theater workers). He called on the city to ensure that unionized labor would be utilized during both the construction and operation of the facility.
“It’s critical that the city ensures these commitments for our working families. Union jobs are vital to the recovery of downtown and to the broader economic health of the city,” concluded Green, who is backed by the Working Families Party, the Democratic Socialists of America, and multiple trade unions.
Jamie Dunphy Slams Live Nation
PORTLAND, August 15, 2024 — District 1 candidate Jamie Dunphy, a long-time advocate for Portland’s independent music scene, has voiced strong concerns about Live Nation's recent approval to operate a new music venue in Portland. In a recent email to supporters, Dunphy emphasized the potential downside of allowing the entertainment giant to establish a foothold in the city.
"Live Nation...is trying to steal our vibrant, homegrown industry and sell it back to us at a profit," Dunphy warned, likening the company to the "Walmart of music" with a history of stifling local competition. He highlighted that Portland’s independent music scene contributes over $3 billion annually to the local economy, surpassing the impact of other major industries like salmon, timber, and cannabis.
Dunphy’s concerns stem from the belief that Live Nation’s presence could divert talent and resources away from local venues, a fear shared by many in Portland's music community. “Our music industry is DIY at its core, and I will protect it from out-of-state corporations that don’t care about our community,” Dunphy said, promising to champion policy proposals like reforming Portland’s noise code to protect small venue owners, addressing liquor licensing to ensure all-ages access to live music, and expanding musician loading zones at every performance venue in the city.
Eli Arnold Proposes Changes to Portland Street Response
PORTLAND, August 15, 2024 — Eli Arnold, a Portland police officer running for a District 4 seat on the City Council, recently outlined his policy proposals to enhance the effectiveness of Portland Street Response (PSR), the city’s unarmed team addressing mental health emergencies.
Arnold argues that PSR's current scope is too limited, restricting its ability to respond to situations involving individuals who are aggressive, armed, or indoors. He proposes that PSR teams be authorized to transport individuals or initiate mental health holds, stating that these changes "could be a real game changer for PSR's efficacy."
In addition to operational changes, Arnold believes PSR should be managed by Multnomah County, which already oversees mental health services. "PSR should never have been created at the city, and the county should be responsible for funding them," he stated. He suggests integrating PSR with the county's Project Respond team to improve coordination and expand the scope of mental health responses.
In a related Instagram video, Arnold addressed potential concerns about his impartiality as a council member on law enforcement issues. "You're going to want me on council because I've been a police officer in Portland, not in spite of it." He described policing and PSR as “tools” that should be designed to effectively address the city's needs.
“When Council is trying to figure out how to deal with use of force, with crime, with homelessness and shelter systems, and mental health, the fact that I've already worked on all of those things—that I know where the starting point is—is going to be very useful,” Arnold concluded.
Old Town is Ground Zero for Portland’s Future, Zimmerman Says
PORTLAND, August 14, 2024 — Eric Zimmerman, a candidate for Portland's District 4, recently posted an Instagram video outside the fenced-in Lan Su Chinese Garden in Old Town, where he discussed the challenges faced by the area. He noted that Lan Su is dealing with issues such as "vandalism, crime, break-ins, and harassment," which have led the city to erect protective fencing around the cultural site.
Zimmerman, an Army veteran who serves as Chief of Staff to Multnomah County Commissioner Julie Brim-Edwards, stated, "I consider Old Town to be ground zero for everything I'm trying to achieve," and emphasized the need for the city to direct more resources to Old Town,
"As a city, we've got to surge our resources to the Old Town community. For those of you that reached out, I hear you. I'm with you, and let's work together to improve Old Town, and make it part of Portland's future," he concluded.
Walker: Deflection Plan “Purposely Malicious Compliance"
(PORTLAND, August 14, 2024) — Jon Walker, a candidate for Portland's District 3, weighed in on Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran's call to pause plans for a $2 million drug deflection center in the Buckman neighborhood of inner Southeast Portland. The center, scheduled to open on September 1 at 900 SE Sandy Blvd, aims to provide police with a place to take individuals found with small amounts of illicit drugs, offering them optional treatment paths instead of jail. Meieran has raised concerns about unresolved security issues, advocating for a delay.
"This plan has been so poorly designed and considered I'm honestly left wondering if it is purposely malicious compliance to disprove the concept by wasting taxpayer money on a build about to be torn down," Walker tweeted. He further stated, "The left needs to be honest that you can't make public transit a purposeful choice for the majority instead of a last resort for low-income travelers unless you make it somewhat pleasant, and most people would rather sit in traffic than deal with passed-out addicts."
Walker also expressed frustration with broader urban issues in Portland, remarking, "People often defend the status quo saying 'well that is just city life if you don't like it,' and that is the problem—many don't."
Gonzalez Stands for "Compassion Without Enablement"
(PORTLAND, August 14, 2024) — In a recent Twitter post, Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez warned that San Francisco's decision to expand its homeless bussing program, combined with Governor Gavin Newsom's order to clear unsanctioned camps, "should put all Oregonians on notice: if we stand still, more homeless people will come to Oregon." Gonzalez highlighted that Oregon's resources are already stretched thin and called for reforms to HB 3115 to prevent migratory homelessness while also expanding behavioral health systems and shelter access.
Gonzalez mentioned that his approach to the issue will be one of "compassion without enablement" as he begins his service on the Steering and Oversight Committee for the Joint Office of Homeless Services. This committee is a new entity formed under a recent agreement between Portland and Multnomah County to better coordinate their response to homelessness. Mayor Wheeler recently appointed Gonzalez as a member of the committee.
Dan Ryan Endorsed By All Fellow Commissioners
(PORTLAND, August 13, 2024) — City Commissioner Dan Ryan has received endorsements from his three colleagues: fellow commissioners Rene Gonzalez, Mingus Mapps, and Carmen Rubio. Mayor Ted Wheeler has not yet made any endorsements for the 2024 election. Ryan has endorsed Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, and Eric Zimmerman in District 4 and has previously stated he will not endorse any mayoral candidates.
Portland For All Unveils District 2 Endorsements
(PORTLAND, August 13, 2024) — Portland For All, a social justice grassroots group, has unveiled its endorsements for District 2. The picks are political strategist and organizer Marnie Glickman, consultant and union organizer Elana Pirtle-Guiney, and cider entrepreneur Nat West. The organization has previously released endorsements for Districts 1, 3, and 4. In District 1, Portland For All backs environmental activist Candace Avalos, transportation planner Timur Ender, and transit advocate Steph Routh in District 1. In District 3, the group supports teacher and union organizer Tiffany Koyama Lane and anti-hunger advocate Angelita Morillo. Endorsed candidates in District 4 included economist and college professor Mitch Green, chess club owner and housing advocate Chad Lykins, Lisa Freeman, a conflict resolution specialist, and Sarah Silkie, a water engineer with the City of Portland.
Hayes Campaign Highlights Personal Connection to Public Safety Issues
(PORTLAND, August 12, 2024) — District 1 City Council candidate Terrence Hayes recently shared a personal story that shapes his views on public safety. In a message to supporters, Hayes reflected on the loss of his cousin Quanice in a fatal police encounter, stating, "A few years back, my cousin Quanice was killed by police." He noted that this event has driven his commitment to public safety, emphasizing, "If we can create a few more moments before action, Quanice and so many others might still be alive."
Hayes’s campaign focuses on improving communication between communities and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents. He says he advocates for a balanced approach to public safety, suggesting that the values of "protecting the community and valuing the people tasked with protecting it can coexist." His platform has earned him endorsements from the Portland Police Association and City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez.
Rubio Campaign Confirms Public Safety as a Central Election Issue
(PORTLAND, August 12, 2024) — A recent email from City Commissioner Carmen Rubio’s campaign for mayor confirms that public safety will be a central issue in the upcoming election. Rubio laid out her strategy for keeping Portlanders safe, including increasing first responders, improving police-community relations, and expanding homelessness services.
“As Mayor, I will be committed to greater public safety, not by over-policing our community or implementing draconian measures, but by seizing the commonsense solutions that will break the cycle of crime and addressing its underlying causes,” Rubio wrote, highlighting her support for Portland Street Response, the city’s unarmed team addressing mental health emergencies.
While Rubio did not mention her colleague and mayoral rival, City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, by name, her reference to “draconian measures” presumably referred to Gonzalez, who advocates for stricter enforcement of policies related to public camping and drug use.
Gonzalez Campaign Spotlights Likeminded Council Candidates
(PORTLAND, August 12, 2024) — City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez’s mayoral campaign has begun promoting his favored council candidates. In a recent email to supporters, Gonzalez urged voters to back his policy advisor, Harrison Kass, who recently entered the race for District 3.
Kass, a lawyer, previously served on Mayor Ted Wheeler’s community safety team and shares Gonzalez’s focus on public safety. On his campaign website, Kass emphasizes his work on body-worn cameras, gun violence reduction, and police recruitment as key areas of expertise. His background also includes clerking for Youth, Rights & Justice, a nonprofit law firm for children and families, as well as for the Oregon Federal Defenders.
Gonzalez has also endorsed Terrence Hayes in District 1, Bob Simril in District 2, and Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Tony Morse, Stan Penkin, and Bob Weinstein in District 4.
"Teacher Tiffany" Overtakes Steph Routh as Top Council Fundraiser
(PORTLAND, August 10, 2024) — Tiffany Koyama Lane, a public school teacher and union organizer in District 3, has become the highest fundraiser among all council candidates. Koyama Lane has raised $138,500, including $80,000 in public campaign financing. The top spot was previously held by District 1 candidate Steph Routh, who has raised $137,300, also including an $80,000 public match.
Koyama Lane was actively involved in the 2020 Preschool for All campaign, which implemented an income tax on high earners to provide free preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County. She is endorsed by the Working Families Party of Oregon, multiple labor unions and social justice organizations, and City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio.
Chloe Mason Rumored to Run in District 4
(PORTLAND, August 9, 2024) — Chloe Mason, a model, author, and social media influencer with over 47,000 Instagram followers, is rumored to be considering a run for a seat in District 4. Her potential candidacy would add to the list of female candidates in a race currently dominated by male contenders. So far, only four women and one nonbinary candidate have entered the race.
Keith Wilson Qualifies for Public Financing
(PORTLAND, August 8, 2024) — Keith Wilson, an executive for a sustainable trucking fleet, has qualified for a $100,000 payout from Portland’s public campaign financing program. He joins city commissioners Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, who have also reached the milestone by collecting and certifying 750 small contributions from individual Portlanders. Established in 2016 to take big money out of politics, the program provides a 1-9 match on contributions up to $20 from individual Portlanders.
Given the public financing program’s budget woes, this is the first and only payout mayoral candidates can receive, although the program was originally expected to support mayoral campaigns with up to $750,000. While Wilson has testified in opposition to the council’s decision not to increase the program’s funding despite a record number of candidates running, he says money is not the only thing that matters.
“Money is important because it helps get the message out. But the message is always more important than the money, and money doesn’t translate into wins every time. I feel confident that the message we're carrying forward about ending unsheltered homelessness and caring for four hundred people on the streets who are going to die this year because of inaction, will resonate with Portlanders,” Wilson told Rose City Reform.
“We need to care for our community. We know that half of all arrests are of the unsheltered, yet they represent 1% of our population. By sheltering people who need it, we can repair and restore our public safety system and shorten response times so that an officer can arrive in six minutes like ten years ago instead of the 24 minutes it takes now.”
According to the Oregon Secretary of State, Wilson has raised nearly $97,000, not counting the payout of public funds. This makes him the third most successful fundraiser, surpassed only by Rene Gonzalez whose campaign funds total $172,200. Rubio has amassed approximately $106,100. Neither candidate has yet reported the $100,000 payout from Small Donor Elections.
Interest in Business Community’s Endorsements Draws Huge Crowd to Event
(PORTLAND, August 7, 2024) — On August 6, over fifty candidates attended an event hosted by the business-friendly political action committee United For Portland. The group, whose full membership is unknown but includes organizations like the Portland Metro Chamber, advocates for permitting reform and supports the recommendations of the Governor’s Downtown Taskforce. Strategies include support for small businesses, additional public safety measures, and a tax moratorium to stimulate downtown economic recovery.
Spearheaded by Doug Moore, former leader of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, the PAC is expected to endorse candidates in each district over the next month. Only candidates who have qualified for Portland’s public campaign financing system by successfully raising 250 contributions from individual Portland donors will be considered. Candidates who have collected 750 individual contributions have a chance to be featured as “spotlighted” candidates, the organization said.
Rubio and Gonzalez Announce New Council Endorsements
(PORTLAND, August 7, 2024) — City commissioners and mayoral hopefuls Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio are both unveiling a series of new endorsements today. What’s official so far?
Gonzalez has endorsed Terrence Hayes in District 1, Bob Simril in District 2, and Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, Tony Morse, Stan Penkin and Bob Weinstein in District 4. Clark and Morse also received endorsements from Rubio. They now join District 4 candidate Stan Penkin as candidates who enjoy support from both mayoral contenders.
“The broad-based support that I’ve earned speaks to my pragmatic ability to bring people to the table,” Morse told Rose City Reform. “I can convene, collaborate, and work effectively with others from across the spectrum of different perspectives, and I’m ready to help deliver the practical solutions that Portland needs going forward,” he said.
At an event last week, Clark expressed a similar sentiment, stating that she would use her legislative experience to help the city secure resources from Salem and restore Portland to “the city that works” rather than “the city that works you over.”
Rubio has also endorsed Candace Avalos, Jamie Dunphy, and Timur Ender in District 1. In District 2, her endorsements include Michelle DePass, Marnie Glickman, Debbie Kitchin, Tiffani Penson, and her council colleague, City Commissioner Dan Ryan. Additionally, Rubio supports Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3, and Chad Lykins in District 4.
Rene Gonzalez’ Policy Advisor Joins District 3 Race
(PORTLAND, August 6, 2024) — Harrison Kass, a policy advisor to Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, has announced his candidacy for Portland City Council in District 3.
Kass, a lawyer, also served on Mayor Ted Wheeler’s community safety team and appears to share Gonzalez’s focus on public safety. On his campaign website, he highlights his work related to body-worn cameras, gun violence reduction, and police recruitment as key areas of expertise. Kass’s background also includes serving as a clerk for Youth, Rights & Justice, a nonprofit law firm for children and families, as well as for the Oregon Federal Defenders.
Originally from the East Coast, Kass faced a period of homelessness in his youth, an experience he shares with fellow District 3 candidate Angelita Morillo. However, for District 3 voters, Kass’s candidacy—if aligned with Gonzalez’s commitment to stricter enforcement—could present a platform that contrasts with Morillo's. Morillo has supported Measure 110 and opposes Portland’s public camping ban, arguing that it criminalizes homelessness and pushes people into deeper despair.
District 4 Candidates Tackle Tough Issues
(PORTLAND, August 5, 2024) — District 4 candidates recently delved into some thorny issues at a mixer organized by Future Portland, a grassroots organization focused on livability issues. Taking questions from voters, the eleven candidates in attendance spoke about everything from Portland’s gridlocked permitting system to their views on the city’s public camping ban.
While all candidates rallied behind permitting reform and the need for more affordable housing, their views diverged on issues like policing and the city’s response to mental health emergencies. Olivia Clark, a former high-level staffer at both TriMet and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, called for boosting the city’s police force.
“I know this can be controversial, but we don't have enough police, and we don't have enough firefighters in this city,” she said, pointing out that Portland’s officer-to-population ratio hovers around 0.9, while the national average is 2.4. “We don't need 2.4, but we really need about three to four hundred more officers to have a fully functioning police department,” said Clark, who is endorsed by the police and firefighters unions.
Meanwhile, Lisa Freeman, a conflict resolution specialist who previously worked for the City of Portland’s Community Safety Division, emphasized her support for a “third branch” of the city’s emergency response system. With around-the-clock operations focused on addressing mental health emergencies, a dedicated department could take pressure off both police and firefighters, she said.
“I believe that’s the future of public safety, and eventually, this is where all cities are going,” Freeman predicted.
Multiple candidates, like Bob Weinstein, Tony Morse, Eric Zimmerman, and Stan Penkin, emphasized the importance of enforcing Portland’s public camping ban and moving those living on the street into shelters.
“We need to get adult about enforcing the public camping laws that we have,” said Eric Zimmerman, an army veteran who currently serves as chief of staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. “At this point, we have created so many types of shelter, and there are so many beds going unused every night, that we have to get serious about enforcement,” added Zimmerman, who is endorsed by the police union.
The most vivid discussion of the evening came in response to a question about whether candidates supported mandatory treatment. While the question didn’t specify whether the treatment was in response to an emergency or an offense such as drug possession, it showed some marked philosophical differences between candidates.
“I’ll say it, compelled treatment is effective and has high success rates of participation and successful completion of treatment,” said Tony Morse, a former policy and advocacy director for Oregon Recovers—a statewide coalition supporting Oregonians in recovery from addiction. “Recovery is about meeting people where they’re at but not leaving them there,” said Morse, who is himself a person in long-term recovery and is endorsed by the police union as well as multiple addiction and mental health specialists.
His position was seconded by Eric Zimmerman and Bob Weinstein, a former mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska, who posited that a civilized society does not allow people who are a threat to themselves or others to be on the streets.
“If we're going to revitalize the community and revitalize downtown, we have to move people off the streets into shelters and on the continuum of housing with supportive services,” Weinstein said.
Lisa Freeman offered a contrasting perspective:
“I think we have jumped way too fast to talking about mandatory sheltering and mandatory treatment when we do not have the services available for people who want treatment and for people who want shelter. Let's do that first. Let's invest our energy there first,” she said.
Freeman received support from Moses Ross, the President of the Multnomah Neighborhood Association, who called mandatory treatment “paternalistic,” saying it raised serious questions about who should make decisions about people’s lives.
“I feel strongly that we need to build up the available resources first and then, and only then—once we have locations for them, all of them—maybe we can start talking about mandatory X and mandatory Y,” said Ross, whose mother suffered from addiction.
Many candidates also emphasized their commitment to climate resiliency. Olivia Clark predicted that Portland will become a climate refuge and said the city needs to tighten its emergency response in the case of extreme climate events and ensure that housing stays affordable for Portlanders as more people migrate to the city. Sarah Silkie, who works as an engineer for the City of Portland and holds a PhD in environmental engineering from UC Berkeley, said her run for office was propelled by her frustration with the city’s management.
“I'm running because I want things to work and I am so tired of being part of a bureaucracy that doesn't function,” she said. “I'm also running because it's time to get serious about the climate crisis. These 115-degree days—unfortunately they are going to happen again. And we need to attack it on two fronts. We need to reduce our carbon emissions and we need to make our city resilient so that we can survive and not have people dying every time there's a fluctuation in our temperatures,” added Silkie, who is endorsed by multiple labor unions.
To learn more about the platforms of candidates in District 4, visit Rose City Reform’s expanded candidate tracker.
Portland's Ballot Takes Shape as August Filing Deadline Nears
(PORTLAND, August 2, 2024) — As we enter August, the last month for candidates to officially file to run for city office, 12 mayoral candidates have qualified to appear on the ballot. July and August have seen multiple new filings by candidates about whom little is known and who are not actively campaigning, a fairly common occurrence during any election cycle.
For the office of mayor, well-known names include City Commissioners Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, as well as up-and-coming challenger Keith Wilson, a trucking company executive, and Liv Osthus, a stripper and advocate for the arts. City Commissioner Mingus Mapps has not yet qualified for the ballot but is expected to meet the deadline.
In District 1, 11 out of 16 candidates have qualified for the ballot, including transportation advocates Steph Routh and Timur Ender, environmental and racial justice advocate Candace Avalos, and small business owner Terrence Hayes. Former county commissioner Loretta Smith, who announced her candidacy last month, has not yet qualified to appear but is expected to do so.
District 2 has the lowest number of candidates qualified for the ballot, with nine out of 23. Notable names include City Commissioner Dan Ryan, labor organizers Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Jonathan Tasini, and Tiffani Penson, a people and culture manager for the City of Portland. Though not yet qualified, cider entrepreneur Nat West recently filed the necessary paperwork. Others expected to qualify include PPS school board member Michelle DePass and political strategist Marnie Glickman.
In District 3, 12 out of 21 candidates have qualified, including recovery advocate Jesse Cornett, teacher and union organizer Tiffany Koyama Lane, and anti-hunger advocate Angelita Morillo. Others expected to qualify include former city commissioner Steve Novick and former Metro councilor Rex Burkholder.
District 4 has the highest number of candidates qualified for the ballot, with 22 out of 24. Candidates include police officer Eli Arnold, retired policy director Olivia Clark, economist and labor advocate Mitch Green, chess club founder Chad Lykins, recovery and labor advocate Tony Morse, former Pearl Neighborhood Association Chair Stan Penkin, and Bob Weinstein, a former mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska. Environmental advocate Andra Vltavín is currently collecting signatures to appear on the ballot (many others simply pay a fee).
Portland City Auditor Simone Rede, who is running unopposed, has also qualified for the ballot.
The filing window closes on August 27.
Candidates Diverge on Sheriff’s Decision Not to Book First Arrest Under Camping Ban
(PORTLAND, July 31, 2024) — Two candidates offered starkly different takes on Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell’s decision not to book the first person arrested under Portland’s public camping ban, which went into effect on July 1.
On July 26, Portland police officers made their first arrest under the new ordinance, which bans public camping during daytime hours and allows for fines of up to $100 or seven days in jail for those who repeatedly refuse available shelter. However, once the man arrived at the Multnomah County Jail, the sheriff’s office declined to book him. Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell later issued a statement, saying, “As the elected official charged with managing the jail, I believe we need to utilize the corrections system as a place for people who pose a genuine danger to the public, and that does not include individuals whose only offense is living unsheltered.”
Angelita Morillo, a progressive candidate running in District 3, applauded the sheriff’s decision in an Instagram video, saying Morrisey O’Donnell made the right choice and “stood strong in her values.”
“It is reprehensible for the city and the county to push off the responsibility of housing our citizens and keeping them safe onto the criminal justice system and to expect that sheriffs and police officers are going to act as social workers to repair all of the ills that have happened because we haven't addressed income inequality in this city,” said Morillo, who experienced homelessness for nearly a year as a college student.
“Let's hope that our new generation of City Council will have the courage and the wherewithal to actually address the long-term impacts of poverty in our city and instead invest in housing and anti-poverty measures,” she added.
Meanwhile, Eli Arnold, a police officer running for office in District 4, joined city council members in expressing surprise and disappointment in the sheriff’s decision.
“The camping ban is a humane law. It says that we're going to offer you a place to stay before we arrest you. The goal is not arrest, it's to get you off that sidewalk to make it passable again for someone in a wheelchair and get you into a place that’s going to help you get back on your feet,” Arnold said.
“If we have a rule, we have to enforce it. Otherwise, it's not really a rule,” he concluded.
Jonathan Walker Slams Renters’ Bill of Rights
(PORTLAND, July 30, 2024) — Jonathan Walker, a policy analyst for the Oregon Health Authority's Office who is running for a seat in District 3, has directed pointed criticism at a proposal to create a Renters' Bill of Rights in Portland. The initiative is currently being circulated among candidates by the Renters Action Network and the Democratic Socialists of America and among other things advocates for local rent control throughout Oregon and mandating relocation assistance for rent increases exceeding 5%.
In a lengthy tweet, Walker called the proposal a “disaster for Portland” and argued that the bill would disrupt the rental market and halt new rental construction. His main point of contention is the proposal to cap rent for a one-bedroom apartment at 30% of the minimum wage, a move Walker argues is too low to cover the construction costs of new rental units, effectively prohibiting the development of new one-bedroom apartments.
He also criticized the bill’s suggestion to prevent evictions for school workers or families with children except during the summer months, arguing it would simply deter landlords from renting to these groups altogether.
“Some ideas like legal help for people facing eviction and eviction pauses during extreme weather are good, but the rest of the ideas would cripple the rental market,” Walker concluded.
Candidates who have signed the Renters’ Bill of Rights include Jamie Dunphy in District 1; Sameer Kanaal, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, and Jonathan Tasini in District 2; Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3; and Mitch Green and Andra Vltavín in District 4.
Weinstein Opposes People’s Rebate Tax
Bob Weinstein, a candidate in District 4, directed harsh criticism against Initiative Petition 17 (IP17), also known as the People’s Rebate, a ballot measure that aims to create a rebate program distributing $750 cash payments to Oregon residents. To fund this, IP17 would increase Oregon’s corporate minimum tax for large corporations with annual statewide sales over $25 million by adding a new 3% gross receipts tax. This tax would be in addition to the existing corporate minimum tax structure.
Weinstein highlighted that the rebate program isn’t targeted toward a specific income group, saying it would “benefit millionaires.”
“Giving money to wealthy people that don't need it won't accomplish anything,” Weinstein said, adding that Oregon already has a targeted refundable child tax credit for low-income families.
“Initiative 17 is a misguided and destructive proposal that would inflict severe economic damage on our state. It would make Portland and our state far less competitive, driving companies, jobs, and investment dollars to cities in other states,” Weinstein added, calling the proposal “yet another experiment funded by out-of-state money” and comparing it to Measure 110.
While 90% of the proposal’s funding comes from donors outside of Oregon, the initiative has gathered enough local signatures to qualify for the ballot and is expected to go to voters in November.
Candidates Pick Up Sought-After Endorsements
The Portland Fire Fighters Association has endorsed 11 candidates for the Portland City Council.
In District 1, the union endorsed Jamie Dunphy, Terrence Hayes, and Steph Routh. In District 2, City Commissioner Dan Ryan and Bob Simril received the nod. In District 3, former city commissioner Steve Novick, Jesse Cornett, and Daniel DeMelo were backed. In District 4, the firefighters chose Tony Morse, Olivia Clark, and Eli Arnold. The union has previously endorsed City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez for Portland mayor.
“My grandfather was a Portland Firefighter, and I’m named after him,” District 4 candidate Tony Morse wrote on Instagram.
“As your Portland City Councilor, I will always work to make sure our firefighters get the support they need to do their jobs safely. I’m eager to work with our Firefighters Union to build a safer and stronger Portland.”
Morse, who has been endorsed by sixteen labor unions, also enjoys support from the Portland Police Association, an endorsement he shares with City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, District 1 candidate Terrence Hayes and District 2 contender Daniel DeMelo. In Morse's own district, Eli Arnold, Olivia Clark, and Eric Zimmerman have also been endorsed by the police union.
The Working Families Party of Oregon also announced its first round of endorsements this week, selecting Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh in District 1; Nat West in District 2; Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3; and Mitch Green in District 4.
“As a BIPOC working mom, I know that the Working Families Party is one of the most powerful organizations for supporting workers and families, changing the calculus at the ballot box, and strengthening the multiracial working class,” Tiffany Koyama Lane posted on Instagram.
Koyama Lane, a public school teacher and union organizer, is also backed by the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, an endorsement she shares with Mitch Green in District 4.
The social justice group Portland For All has unveiled its endorsements for Districts 1 and 3, tapping Candace Avalos, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh in East Portland (D1), and Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in Southeast Portland (D3).
Additionally, three animal rights organizations – Animal Rights Collective, Compassionate PDX, and Pro-Animal Future – have announced their endorsements. All three are supporting Jamie Dunphy, Timur Ender, and Steph Routh in District 1 and Chad Lykins in District 4. Additionally, Animal Rights Collective is also endorsing Marnie Glickman and Jonathan Tasini in District 2, and Angelita Morillo in District 3. Pro-Animal Future also backs Jonathan Tasini in District 2.
Moms Demand Action, a grassroots group founded by the mother of one of the children killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting, has awarded their ‘Gun Sense Distinction’ to nine council candidates: Candace Avalos (D1), Marnie Glickman (D2), Jonathan Tasini (D2), Elana Pirtle-Guiney (D2), Laura Streib (D2), Jennifer Park (D2), Chad Lykins (D4), Tony Morse (D4), and Sarah Silkie (D4).
Want to research more candidate endorsements? Visit Rose City Refom’s expanded candidate tracker.
Exchange Between Rene Gonzalez and Journalist Andy Ngo Sparks Backlash
A Twitter exchange between city commissioner and mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez and right-wing social media influencer Andy Ngo has ignited controversy, drawing sharp criticism from various groups.
On July 21, Gonzalez tweeted his appreciation for President Biden and called on Democrats to unite behind Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump. Gonzalez attributed Portland's "darkest days" in 2020 to Trump's presidency, emphasizing the need for a different path forward.
Ngo, known for his controversial reporting on Portland’s protests, commented on Gonzalez’s post, blaming Democratic officials for the unrest in Portland in 2020.
"Portland’s darkest days of violence in 2020 were because elected officials in the city, all Democrats including DA Mike Schmidt, allowed the violence to happen and chose not to prosecute most of the violent leftists in order to spite then-President Trump. It was Trump who surged federal officers to Portland to protect the federal courthouse from being burned down,” Ngo said.
“Considering Antifa used and use violence against you long after Trump exited office, I’d thought you’d know all this,” he added.
Gonzalez fired off a response:
"Antifa/anarchists have terrorized my family & my city. I appreciate you calling a spade a spade & recognize you have been terrorized for it. Portland is the city I love and it does better with a Democrat in the White House. We need to own our problems - but Trump kicked us when we were down."
The exchange immediately prompted backlash from progressive and social justice groups, including a tweet from the Independent Party of Oregon, which questioned Gonzalez's suitability as a mayoral candidate.
"Is Portland really prepared to elect a Mayor who lies about being assaulted on public transit and fawns over Andy Ngo? Is Portland's business community going to continue funding a candidate who aligns himself with right-wing agitators like Andy?" the party tweeted, referencing a previous incident when Gonzalez called 911 to report a woman who brushed by him on a MAX train.
Jonathan Maus, founder of the indepedent news outlet Bike Portland, also criticized Gonzalez's remarks.
"Pretty wild that Rene Gonzalez typed 'I appreciate you' in reference to Andy Ngo. Ngo's approach to journalism and his content isn't something a Portland mayoral hopeful should be showing support for," Maus tweeted.
James Armstrong Advocates for Texas-Based Haven for Hope Model
James Armstrong, running for City Council in District 2, is advocating for using San Antonio’s Haven for Hope campus as a model to address Portland's homelessness crisis. This concept has been pondered before, most notably by local developer Homer Williams and Mayor Wheeler.
Armstrong’s proposal involves creating a campus-style headquarters for the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS), modeled after Haven for Hope, which coordinates services through partnerships with numerous non-profits.
He suggests that the Portland Expo Center could be an ideal location, providing space for development and proximity to public transit.
“By building a campus-style headquarters for the JOHS at the Expo Center, we can better coordinate services and provide a more efficient system, ultimately saving tax money and improving outcomes for our most vulnerable residents,” Armstrong wrote on his campaign website.
“This vision requires bold action, but it could transform Portland into the progressive leader on addressing homelessness that we strive to be,” he concluded.
Dan Ryan Gets Nod from the Governor
City Commissioner Dan Ryan, who is running for a seat in District 2, has been endorsed by Governor Tina Kotek.
”Governor Kotek’s support underscores the importance of my work and the impact I can have on our beloved city. With her endorsement, I am more energized than ever to continue the mission of serving Portland,” Ryan wrote on social media.
Ryan, who was elected in 2020, until recently oversaw the Office of Community and Civic Life, Office of Equity and Human Rights, Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Children's Levy. Starting this month, city bureaus are instead managed by Portland’s interim city adminstrator Michael Jordan in preparation for Portland’s new form of government, where city council members have no executive responsibilities.
Governor Kotek has also endorsed City Commissioner Carmen Rubio for Portland mayor.
Morillo Slams Gonzalez on Social Media
In a recent social media video, Angelita Morillo, a progressive candidate for Portland's City Council, delivered a sharp critique of mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez. This came in response to questions about how she would collaborate with Gonzalez if both were elected.
"I don't know what everyone else is hearing, but when I'm on the ground, talking to my people, they're not asking me how I'm going to move towards an unjust man or unjust policies," Morillo stated.
While Morillo acknowledged that compromise is inherent to the role, she described her primary responsibility as advocating for vulnerable and working-class residents.
“It is not my role in this life or in this race, to comfort the comfortable,” she asserted.
Morillo specifically criticized Gonzalez's tenure on the city council, claiming he has neither built strong relationships nor passed significant policies.
"He does not have any friends. He has not passed any substantial policies or made any accomplishments. His greatest accomplishments are the things that he has tried to dismantle and destroy," she argued.
Morillo also highlighted that mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio has endorsed her campaign. Several other council candidates showed their support by liking her video, including District 1 candidate Candace Avalos, who has publicly clashed with Gonzalez on multiple occasions.
“I've gotten to know Angelita over the last year, and she's smart, passionate, and nuanced. Like she says, the work of actually moving a policy agenda requires collaboration, and Rene Gonzalez is the epitome of the opposite. District 3 would be lucky to have Angelita representing them,” Avalos wrote.
Other candidates who liked the video included mayoral candidate Liv Osthus, Timur Ender (D1), Kelly Janes (D3), and Mitch Green (D3).
Progressive Candidates Sign Renters' Bill of Rights
Several candidates have signed a campaign pledge called Renters' Bill of Rights, an initiative by the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Renters Action Network. The bill includes provisions such as:
Linking rent to the minimum wage to ensure affordability
Advocating for local rent control throughout Oregon
Mandating relocation assistance for rent increases exceeding 5%
Capping fees for pet rent and late fees
Additionally, the bill requires a six-month notice before rent increases, protects children and education workers from eviction due to late rent during the school year, and shields renters from eviction for late rent during extreme weather events. It also requires code violations to be resolved before rent increases and establishes the right to legal counsel in eviction court.
Candidates who have signed the bill include Jamie Dunphy in District 1; Sameer Kanaal, Chris Olson, Jennifer Park, and Jonathan Tasini in District 2; Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo in District 3; and Jeremy Beausoleil Smith, Mitch Green, and Andra Vltavín in District 4.
“Letting people get pushed out of their homes and their city is a policy choice, and it's a bad one. Change starts with simple, common-sense protections like keeping school kids and educators in their homes during the school year, or ensuring that unsafe conditions are fixed before a rent increase,” District 3 candidate and pledge signatory Tiffany Koyama Lane posted on Twitter.
Koyama Lane, a public school teacher, is one of two council candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The other is economist Mitch Green, who has also signed the pledge.
Eli Arnold on Vandalized Yard Signs
Portland police officer and District 4 candidate Eli Arnold posted a video in response to one of his yard signs being tagged with the letters ‘FTP’, which stands for “[Expletive] the Police.”
“Happy to have it crystal clear that I believe the police abolitionist crowd needs to be ignored,” Arnold posted on Twitter, offering to replace signs for all supporters whose signs are vandalized.
“This weekend should be a stark reminder that we remain an anomaly on homicides and police staffing relative to Seattle and San Francisco,” he added, referring to the five homicides that took place in Portland the second weekend of July.
Arnold called police officers “important partners” in Portland’s future and noted that the West Coast cities of San Francisco and Seattle have lower homicide rates than Portland.
“Both have more police per capita, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence,” Arnold said.
New Collector’s Item? Say Hello to Candidate Trading Cards
Ann Sanderson, a professional photographer and political consultant, has launched an innovative project to draw attention to Portland’s city races: candidate trading cards.
“The cards are only given out by the candidates themselves so that voters have to meet a candidate to get a card or trade with someone who has one. I’m hoping that many voters will want to ‘catch them all’,” Sanderson told Rose City Reform.
“I imagine when they get their voter pamphlets, they will put their collected cards on the table in front of them and physically sort them as they decide who to rank in what order,” she added.
While candidates are free to distribute the cards as they see fit, Sanderson is organizing events centered around trading the cards. The first event is scheduled for July 26 at Rogue Eastside, 928 SE 9th Ave, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Nat West Slams Rene Gonzalez for Remarks on Public Testimony
District 2 candidate Nat West sharply criticized City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez following comments Gonzalez made during a council hearing, as reported by the Portland Mercury.
“Seeing Commissioner Gonzalez's bullying attack on a tireless community advocate yesterday reminded me that many elected officials take positions of power for granted and don’t listen,” West tweeted.
The incident occurred before the approval of an $11,500 legal settlement related to a bodily injury lawsuit from the 2020 Portland protests. Gonzalez dismissed testimony by Marc Poris of the volunteer group Portland Copwatch, stating Poris’ comments were not directly related to the lawsuit and should have been made during the public comment section.
“I strongly object to continuing to platform abolitionists that cannot testify on the matter before council,” Gonzalez said, calling Poris’ testimony “nonsense” and adding that he had no “constitutional right” to testify on that particular agenda item.
Registering his opposition to Gonzalez’s position, West noted:
“We don't have to agree. We often don't. But as a participant in this city and a candidate for Council, I will always fight for the right for others to speak and share their insights. Sadly, the Commissioner seems to think his role is to silence others, not open himself up to change or growth,” he wrote.
Eric Zimmerman Opposes Multnomah County Deflection Rollout
Eric Zimmerman, the chief-of-staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards who is also a candidate in District 4, posted a video on social media saying he was “deeply disappointed” in Multnomah County’s planned rollout of deflection centers for individuals caught with small amounts of illicit drugs.
“At the end of the day, there is no accountability for follow-through on this program,” Zimmerman said, referring to the fact that individuals who choose deflection over arrest will be taken to a dropoff location, where they can choose to accept or refuse treatment.
“That is not what the State Legislature had in mind when they reformed Measure 110. It’s not what Portlanders had in mind when they supported those reforms, and it’s not something that the next City Council should accept from our other government partners moving forward,” Zimmerman said.
Measure 110, a ballot measure passed in 2020 to decriminalize small amounts of illicit drugs and fund treatment and recovery services, was repealed by the State Legislature in 2023 due to widespread concerns about its implementation and overall effectiveness in addressing substance abuse issues. The alternative legislation recriminalized the possession of illicit drugs with the option of deflection as an alternative to arrest.
Watch Multnomah County’s Voter Education Video
Multnomah County, which administers the City of Portland’s elections, has released a video explaining Portland’s new voting method for city offices. Have a look!
If you’d like to learn how this voting method works in practice, check out Rose City Reform’s mock election video.
Portland’s 2024 Election Documented in Upcoming Film
Did you know that a documentary film team has been chronicling Portland's election cycle since January 2024?
People’s Town Hall, a local nonprofit, is quietly following candidates and their campaigns, outgoing civic leaders, election officials, local press, and community members to explore how Portland navigates its historic 2024 election. The working title for the documentary is "The Experiment," with an anticipated release date in early 2026.
Nathan Williams, the film’s director, said the team applies a “fly on the wall” approach, similar to Frederick Wiseman’s critically acclaimed documentary "City Hall” about the workings of city government in Boston.
“So far, the vast majority of candidates and others involved in this process have welcomed our project with open arms,” Williams told Rose City Reform.
“I think there's a widespread feeling that something rare and special is happening this year, that we may not see again for a generation, and folks are happy we're documenting the big picture story beyond the immediate news cycle.”
Williams emphasized the team’s commitment to neutrality, saying all video footage is embargoed until after the election.
“We are committed to honoring that trust by not putting our thumb on the scale in any way -- we aren't advocating for any candidate or set of policy outcomes: we want to document all of these campaigns truthfully and with respect, showing what's unique about each candidate and their message, and trusting the audience to reach their own conclusions as they watch the film.”
For more information, visit People's Town Hall or follow the team’s progress on Instagram at pdxdemocracydoc.
Eli Arnold on Grants Pass Ruling
Eli Arnold, a Portland police officer who’s running for office in District 4, recently submitted a letter to the editor of The Oregonian. The piece outlined his views on the recent SCOTUS ruling overturning Martin v. Boise, a 2018 decision by the federal Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that barred western cities from enforcing public camping bans unless shelter beds were available.
Arnold noted that the ruling does not override local ordinances or Oregon's state law HB 3115, which requires cities to allow homeless individuals to rest and sleep in public spaces if no other options are available. He argued that expanding access to shelters and approved campsites is both the key to assisting those sleeping outside and to enforcing Portland’s new camping ban.
“We must create systems and enforce rules that promote the safety of all members of the community. It is time to put blocked sidewalks, dangerous roadside encampments and shigella outbreaks behind us,” Arnold wrote.
“The end of the Grants Pass case is the end of an excuse we’ve used because we were uncomfortable with moving beyond ideology and into the murky world of tangible choices,” he concluded.
Jesse Cornett Wants Return to Community Policing
District 3 candidate Jesse Cornett posted a statement on Instagram outlining his support for community policing.
“If I am so honored to be elected to Portland City Council, I will use my role to encourage our mayor to only hire a police chief with long-term dedication and a deep understanding of community policing,” he wrote.
“Before I launched my career in the legislative process, I attended the Police Academy and spent three years as a reserve Deputy Sheriff for Multnomah County. A few years later, my closest friend was killed by a police officer on my back porch,” Cornett continued, calling Portland’s loss of community policing under former mayor Vera Katz the worst decision made during her storied career.
“When we pivot our police back to community policing, we are going to require them to conduct their job in a different way,” he continued.
“This will take more time than simply responding to calls which has become the norm. The police will tell you we need more officers on the force to do it right. We might. But until we have a potent and co-equal non-law enforcement response in our city, I do not believe that the actual number of police officers we need can be determined,” he added, referring to Portland Street Response, the city’s unarmed responders who are sent to address mental health emergencies.
“I will work closely with our first city manager to ensure we have civilians for the vast array of other tasks that don’t require police.”
Mapps Concerned About Buckman Deflection Center
City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Mingus Mapps recently raised concerns about Multnomah County's planned drug deflection center in the Buckman neighborhood in southeast Portland. The center, set to open at 900 SE Sandy Blvd, aims to provide an alternative to incarceration for individuals found with small quantities of illicit substances, following the repeal of Oregon's Measure 110.
In a letter to supporters, Mapps said residents felt “blindsided” by the announcement, and highlighted several issues with the deflection process, including the unlimited opportunities for deflection, insufficient treatment resources, and the potential strain on the criminal justice system due to a shortage of public defenders.
"It's unclear what the "connection" will entail, raising questions about whether people will receive meaningful help or just sign in and leave without any further action," Mapps wrote.
He also pointed out community concerns about increased foot traffic, safety, and the perceived lack of transparency in the county's decision-making process.
"It's crucial that decisions affecting our neighborhoods involve transparent processes and robust community input," Mapps concluded.
Mariah Hudson Applauds PBOT Crackdown
District 2 candidate Mariah Hudson, who chairs the Portland Bureau of Transportation Budget Committee, tweeted her support for the City of Portland’s tougher enforcement policy on vehicle registration lapses and parking violations. As part of the initiative, the Portland Bureau of Transportation will increase its parking agent team from 58 to 80 officers, aiming to curb expired tags, missing plates, and improper parking—and to generate an estimated $5 million in additional revenue in the process.
“It’s not fun to get a ticket, but parking enforcement like graffiti enforcement/cleanup sets the tone for our city as a place where people follow the rules,” she said, calling the crackdown a “needed move to generate revenue from paid parking and to reestablish the common good.”
Council Candidates Express Concerns Over Office Remodel Staffing
A group of council candidates have raised concerns about City Hall’s planned remodel for city council offices. In a letter to Mayor Ted Wheeler and city commissioners Rene Gonzalez, Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio, and Dan Ryan, the candidates specifically took issue with interim city administrator Michael Jordan's statements that the remodel would accommodate only one staffer per council member.
“As candidates who have engaged extensively with Portland's diverse communities and intricate policy landscape, we firmly believe that a single staff member per council member is grossly inadequate to effectively carry out the various duties required of the office,” the letter stated.
The candidates argued that the proposed staffing level would hinder effective governance, slow down responses to constituents, and reduce community engagement. They called for an immediate halt to the remodeling work and asked the council to reevaluate the plan based on a comparison of staffing levels in peer cities of similar size to Portland. The letter noted that such a review was reportedly already conducted by city staff and urged City Hall to make the findings public.
The letter was signed by Deian Salazar from District 1; Mariah Hudson, Mike Marshall, and Bob Simril from District 2; Theo Saner from District 3; and Eli Arnold, Mitch Green, Stan Penkin, Michael Trimble, Andra Vltavín, and Bob Weinstein from District 4.
Advisory Committee Raises Similar Issues
In February of this year, the Government Transition Advisory Committee (GTAC)—an advisory body appointed to consult on the implementation of Portland’s reforms—voiced similar concerns about staffing levels.
"The staffing levels set [...] do not adequately support future council in their legislative duties and role in community engagement," GTAC wrote in a communication to council members.
The document referenced the review of staffing levels in peer cities and concluded that Portland would have the lowest staffing level among them. The review of peer cities included cities such as Austin, Boston, and Denver, and reported that peer cities averaged two to four staffers per individual councilor.
At the time, the mayor and city commissioners replied that elected councilors in the new government could establish additional office space within their districts and identify or reprioritize more funds for staff support in 2025.
Mixed Reactions From Candidates on Grants Pass Ruling
Multiple city candidates reacted this week to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a public camping ban in Grants Pass, a city in southwestern Oregon. The ruling overturns Martin v. Boise, a 2018 decision by the federal Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit that barred western cities from enforcing public camping bans unless shelter beds were available.
“A dark period in the West, for Oregon, for Portland has ended,” tweeted city commissioner and mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez, who oversees Portland’s Fire Bureau and is known for a tougher stance on public camping than his colleagues.
Gonzalez said the ruling would provide cities with new tools to remove encampments, but only if state legislators repeal or amend HB 3115, a 2021 state law enacted in response to the Martin v. Boise decision. HB 3115 mandates that public camping ordinances must be “objectively reasonable” and allows individuals affected by the ordinances to challenge them in court.
“If the state and courts continue to interfere with cities’ ability to govern their streets, we will continue to be overrun by migratory homeless and encampments,” he wrote, adding:
“To give Oregon cities a chance, the Legislature should remove the barriers created by HB 3115 and its progeny. If they fail to do so, it will be left to the good citizens of Oregon to do it themselves via ballot measure.”
Concerns Over Criminalizing Homelessness
City Commissioner Carmen Rubio, also running for mayor, agreed with Gonzalez that little would change in Portland as a direct result of the ruling, but appeared content with Portland’s current level of enforcement.
In a statement, Rubio expressed support for a camping ban recently passed by the council, scheduled to go into effect on July 1. The new ordinance, designed to comply with both Martin v. Boise and state law, prohibits camping on public property between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m, and allows enforcing officers to issue fines up to $100 for individuals refusing available shelter.
“I voted for the most recent camping ordinance because it strikes the right balance between humanity and accountability,” said Rubio, who oversees the Housing Bureau.
Despite city lawmakers’ assurances that no drastic changes are on the horizon, multiple council candidates expressed concerns about potential harsher penalties for sleeping outside.
“Criminalizing poverty is the exact opposite of progress,” District 1 candidate Candace Avalos posted on Twitter.
Mitch Green, an economist running for a seat in District 4, wrote a letter to supporters saying he was saddened by the ruling and that Portland could be going down a “dark road.” He argued that Portlanders have a choice between a politics focused on cutting taxes for the wealthy that seeks to “jail and exclude people from civic life,” or one that aims to “build the administrative capacity to house everyone living outside.”
Green’s fellow District 4 candidate Andra Vltavín called the SCOTUS ruling “devastating” and urged Portlanders to join a protest at City Hall on June 30.
The ‘black bloc’ protest – where participants wear black and cover their faces for anonymity – called for attendees to bring camping gear and masks. In a later post, Vltavín also mentioned bringing goggles to protect against tear gas.
“We’ll be here all night protecting the houseless community members when the camping ban goes into effect at midnight,” Vltavín said.
Have a tip for the tracker? Please send it to info@rosecityreform.org or reply directly to the Rose City Reform newsletter.
The Events
September 14: Make & Meet: Community Art with Mariah Hudson (D2)
When: 1:00-2:30 PM
Where: Hey Happy Makers, 2751 NE BroadwaySeptember 15: Portland For All Candidate Forum
When: 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: Tamale Boy, 1764 NE Dekum St, RSVP here
October 8: City Club Portland Mayoral Candidate Forum
When: 6:00–7:30 PM (Doors opem at 5:30)
Where: First Congregational Church (1126 SW Park Ave, Portland) RSVP here
If you’re a candidate or organization whose event isn’t listed, don’t get mad! Just notify us at info@rosecityreform.org. We list events where voters can learn about candidates’ platforms, such as campaign kickoffs, candidate forums, candidate meet-and-greets, political debates, and town halls. We don’t list house parties or events where contributions are required for entry. Keep the events coming!
Top fundraisers according to the City of Portland:
Mayor’s race:
Rene Gonzalez ≈$276,000*
Carmen Rubio: ≈$229,000*
Keith Wilson: ≈$207,000*
*Total includes $100,000 in public financing
Council races:
Tiffany Koyama Lane: ≈$147,000*
Steph Routh (D1): ≈$141,000*
Angelita Morillo (D3): ≈$134,000*
*Total includes $80,000 in public financing
Source: Oregon Secretary of State, last updated 9/13/24
Candidates for Portland Mayor:
Shei'Meka (BeUtee) As-Salaam (VP, Black Women for Peace)
James Atkinson IV (Inventor)
Rene Gonzalez (Attorney, Current City Commissioner)
Michael Hayes (information pending)
Yao Jun He (pending information)
Durrell Kinsey Bey (Youth Essentials Coordinator, Reap, Inc.)
Josh Leake (Manager, Plum Tree Mortgage and Portland Mortgage)
James MacDonald (Retired Sales Manager)
Mingus Mapps (Political Scientist, Current City Commissioner)
Sadiq Ali (information pending)
Sharon Nasset (CEO, Third Bridge)
Michael Necula (Bartender)
Alexander Landry Neely (Winemaker)
Michael O'Callaghan (Unhoused Advocate)
Liv Østhus, a.k.a. Viva Las Vegas (Stripper, Artist & Writer)
Carmen Rubio (Policy Advisor & Nonprofit Executive, Current City Commissioner)
Martin Ward (information pending)
Keith Wilson (President of TITAN Freight System & founder of Shelter Portland)
Dustin Witherspoon (Maintenance Supervisor)
Incumbent:
Ted Wheeler (not seeking reelection)
Candidates for Portland City Council:
Each district elects three representatives.
DISTRICT 1 (D1) - EAST PORTLAND
(In the order of which they will appear on the ballot)
Joe Allen (Woodworker)
Candace Avalos (Executive Director, environmental organization Verde)
Doug Clove (Water Service Inspector)
Jamie Dunphy (Government Relations Director, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network)
Timur Ender (Project Manager, engineering firm WSP)
Noah Ernst (Superintendent, Radio Cab Company)
Joe Furi (Supervisor, Thrive Communities)
Terrence Hayes (President, Restore Nuisance Abatement)
David Linn (Executive Assistant, Oregon Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology)
Peggy Sue Owens (President, Don's A-1 Glass)
Steph Routh (Organizational Development Consultant, Steph Routh & Team, LLC)
Deian Salazar (Autism Rights Advocate, Community Leader)
Michael Sands (Attorney)
Thomas Shervey (Office Assistant, Multnomah County)
Loretta Smith (Former Multnomah County Chair and Chair of the Oregon Democratic Party Black Caucus)
Cayle Tern (Community Advocate and Organizer, Apano)
DISTRICT 2 (D2) - NORTH/NORTHEAST
(In the order of which they will appear on the ballot)
James Armstrong (President, Alberta Eye Care)
Reuben Berlin (Banker, U.S. Bank)
Michelle DePass (Chair, Portland Board of Education)
Marnie Glickman (Political Organizer & Strategist)
Mariah Hudson (Senior Communications Specialist, OHSU)
Sameer Kanal (Advisory Boards and Commissions Manager, City of Portland)
Debbie Kitchin (Owner, Commercial Contracting Firm InterWorks LLC)
Mike Marshall (Co-Founder and Director of Oregon Recovers)
William Mespelt (Property Manager)
Christopher Olson (Communication Specialist, Neighborhood Health Center)
Jennifer Park (Programs Director, The Shadow Project)
Antonio Jamal PettyJohnBlue (Global Unity Network)
Elana Pirtle-Guiney (Principal, Confluence Solutions)
Tiffani Penson (People & Culture Manager, City of Portland)
Dan Ryan (Portland City Commissioner, Incumbent)
Sam Sachs (Founder, The No Hate Zone)
Bob Simril (Account Director, Payscale)
Laura Streib (Executive Director, Vibe of Portland)
Jonathan Tasini (Organizational and Communications Strategist)
Liz Taylor (information pending)
Nat West (Founder, Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, Bus Driver)
Nabil Zaghloul (Program Manager, Multnomah County)
District 3 (D3) - Central/Southeast
Matthew Anderson (Air Force Veteran)
Sandeep Bali (Pharmacist, CVS)
Melodie Beirwagen (Guitar Equipment Repairperson, Amphead)
Christopher Brummer (“Member of the Proletariat”)
Rex Burkholder (Strategy and Story guy, The Oxalis Group)
Brian Conley (Journalist)
Jesse Cornett (Policy and Advocacy Director, Oregon Recovers)
Daniel DeMelo (Software Engineer, Appfigures)
Chris Flanary (Housing Program Specialist, City of Portland)
Daniel Gilk (Programmer, Full-Time Dad)
Theo Hathaway Saner (Property Management Manager, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives)
Clifford Higgins (Former Communications Manager for Metro)
Patrick Hilton (Designer, Artist)
Kelly Janes (Founder, OwlX Collective)
Harrison Kass (Policy Advisor to Commissioner Rene Gonzalez)
Philippe Knab (Attorney)
Tiffany Koyama Lane (Teacher, Portland Public Schools)
Kenneth Landgraver (Scientific Instrument Technician, DCBS)
Angelita Morillo (Policy Advocate, Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon)
Steve Novick (Attorney, Former City Commissioner)
David O’Connor (General Manager, Hotel de Luxe)
Ahlam Osman (Somali-Empowerment Circle)
Cristal Azul Otero (Senior Program Specialist, Joint Office of Homeless Services)
Terry Parker (Former Customer Relations Manager)
Heart Free Pham (Rail Road Conductor)
Jaclyn Smith-Moore (LGBTQ+ Advocate)
John Sweeney (Mechanical Designer)
Jonathan Walker (Policy Analyst, Oregon Health Authority)
Theo Hathaway Saner (Property Manager, PCRI; WeShine Initiative Board Member)
Luke Zak (Sales Manager, Travel Salem)
District 4 (D4) - West
Joseph (Joe) Alfone (Moda Center Attendant and Political Organizer)
Eli Arnold (Police Officer, City of Portland)
Bob Callahan (Attorney)
Patrick Cashman (Former Marine, Project Manager)
Olivia Clark (Intergovernmental Relations Director for Governor John Kitzhaber)
Raquel Coyote (Small Business Owner)
Michael DiNapoli (Event Technology Engineer, People's AV Co.)Lee Odell (Retired, U.S. Navy Submarine Service)
Kelly Doyle (Attorney)
Brandon Farley (Videographer)
Lisa Freeman (Community Safety Manager, City of Portland)
John Goldsmith (Security Officer)
Kevin Goldsmith (Engineering Consultant))
Mitch Green (Army Veteran; Energy Economist)
Chris Henry (Truck Driver)
Ben Hufford (Architect, Design Department Architecture, Restaurant & Bar Owner)
Chad Lykins (Founder, Rose City Chess)
Chloe Mason (Model, Writer, Social Media Influencer)
Tony Morse (Recovery Advocate & Former Policy Director)
Lee Odell (Retired, U.S. Navy Submarine Service)
Stan Penkin (President of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association)
L Christopher Regis (Owner, Green Century Recycling)
Moses Ross (Chair, Multnomah Neighborhood Association; Community Activist)
Sarah Silkie (Engineer, City of Portland)
Tony Schwartz (Attorney)
Ciatta Thompson (Front Office Manager, Residence Inn)
John Toran (Property Manager)
Michael Trimble (Apartment Leasing, Career Strategies)
Andra Vltavín (Environmental Justice Advocate)
Bob Weinstein (Neighborhood Activist; Former Mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska)
Eric Zimmerman (Chief of Staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards)
Candidates for Portland Auditor
Declared
Simone Rede (Portland City Auditor, incumbent)